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 zì xíng chē de shí hou, dà jiā dōu kāi shǐ qí diàn dòng chē 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 kàn dào zhè zhāng zhào piàn, 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 yán sè hé qiǎn yán sè de yī fu fàng zài yì qǐ xǐ shí, qiǎn yán sè de yī fu huì rǎn sè.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 lí kāi jiā de shí hou, wǒ zhǐ yǒu shí sì 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 shí hou, dù zi jiù huì bù shū fu.When I eat too much, my stomach doesn't feel good.