NounsHSK 5
Expressing "when" using 当
Use 当 to introduce the time when an event happens, often paired with 的时候 or 时 for a full 'when' clause. This pattern highlights the temporal setting of an action, but note that 当 cannot be followed by just a noun—it needs a full event or situation.
Structure
当 + [Event/Situation] + (的) 的时候 / 时，……
的 is usually required before 的时候, and the time word (的时候 or 时) can sometimes be omitted if the meaning is clear.
Examples
- 当我有自行车的时候，大家都开始骑电动车了。Dāng wǒ yǒu zìxíngchē de shíhou , dàjiā dōu kāishǐ qí diàndòngchē le.When I got a bike, everyone started to riding electric ones.
- 当我看到这张照片，我就想起了你。Dāng wǒ kāndào zhè zhāng zhàopiàn, wǒ jiù xiǎng qǐ le nǐ.When I saw this photo, I immediately thought of you.
- 当深颜色和浅颜色的衣服放在一起洗时，浅颜色的衣服会染色。Dāng shēn yánsè hé qiǎn yánsè de yīfu fàng zài yīqǐ xǐ shí , qiǎn yánsè de yīfu huì rǎnsè.When washing dark and light colors together, the light-colored clothes will become dyed.
- 当我离开家的时候，我只有十四岁。Dāng wǒ líkāi jiā de shíhou , wǒ zhǐyǒu shísì suì.When I left home, I was only fourteen years old.
- 当我吃太多的时候，肚子就会不舒服。Dāng wǒ chī tài duō de shíhou , dùzi jiù huì bù shūfu.When I eat too much, my stomach doesn't feel good.