====== qījiān: 期间 - During, Period, In the course of ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  *   **Keywords:** 期间, qijian, during in Chinese, period in Chinese, in the course of, Chinese grammar time, how to say during in Chinese, qijian vs de shihou, HSK 4 vocabulary
  *   **Summary:** Learn how to use **期间 (qījiān)**, a fundamental Chinese word for expressing "during" or "in the course of" a specific time period. This guide explains its meaning, grammar, and usage in contexts from historical events like "战争期间 (zhànzhēng qījiān) - during the war" to everyday situations like "春节期间 (chūnjié qījiān) - during the Spring Festival". Understand the key difference between **期间 (qījiān)** and **的时候 (de shíhou)** to master expressing time in Chinese.
===== Core Meaning =====
  *   **Pinyin (with tone marks):** qījiān
  *   **Part of Speech:** Noun (Time Noun)
  *   **HSK Level:** HSK 4
  *   **Concise Definition:** The time period during which something happens; in the course of.
  *   **In a Nutshell:** **期间 (qījiān)** acts like a label you attach to a defined block of time. You first state the event or time frame (like "the meeting," "my university years," or "the holiday"), and then add **期间** to mean "during that whole period." It's a way to formally frame an action within a specific duration.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  *   **期 (qī):** This character means a period of time, a phase, or a term (like a school term). Think of it as a pre-defined segment of time.
  *   **间 (jiān):** This character originally depicted the moon (月) seen through a door (门), representing the space or interval "between" things. It means "space," "among," or "interval."
  *   When combined, **期间 (qījiān)** literally means "the space/interval of a period," which perfectly captures the idea of "during a specific timeframe."
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
While **期间 (qījiān)** is a functional word, its usage reflects a structured way of marking time that is common in Chinese communication. Events are often contextualized within larger, named periods, whether they are historical eras, national holidays, or formal meetings.
A crucial point for learners is that **期间** is a noun, not a preposition like its English equivalent "during." In English, we say "during [the event]." In Chinese, the structure is "[The Event] + 期间." For example, "The meeting" + **期间**. This structural difference highlights a different approach to sentence construction.
This contrasts with the English tendency to use prepositions to lead the phrase. Mastering this `[Time Frame] + 期间` pattern is key to sounding natural in Chinese. It shows a way of thinking where you first establish the temporal "container" and then discuss what happened inside it.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**期间** is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, though it carries a slightly more formal tone than its counterpart **的时候 (de shíhou)**.
  *   **Formal and Written Chinese:** It's extremely common in news reports, official documents, legal contracts, and historical texts.
    *   `疫情期间，请大家戴好口罩。` (Yìqíng qījiān, qǐng dàjiā dài hǎo kǒuzhào.) - During the pandemic, everyone please wear a mask properly.
    *   `合同期间，双方应遵守以下条款。` (Hétóng qījiān, shuāngfāng yīng zūnshǒu yǐxià tiáokuǎn.) - During the contract period, both parties should abide by the following clauses.
  *   **Everyday Conversation:** It's also used in daily speech to talk about distinct periods of life or specific events.
    *   `我上大学期间认识了我妻子。` (Wǒ shàng dàxué qījiān rènshile wǒ qīzi.) - I met my wife during my university years.
    *   `春节期间你有什么计划？` (Chūnjié qījiān nǐ yǒu shéme jìhuà?) - What are your plans during the Spring Festival?
  *   **Business and Promotions:** You'll often see it in advertisements for sales or special offers.
    *   `活动期间，所有商品打八折。` (Huódòng qījiān, suǒyǒu shāngpǐn dǎ bā zhé.) - During the event period, all products are 20% off.
===== Example Sentences =====
  *   **Example 1:**
    *   春节**期间**，很多商店都关门了。
    *   Pinyin: Chūnjié **qījiān**, hěn duō shāngdiàn dōu guānmén le.
    *   English: During the Spring Festival, many shops were closed.
    *   Analysis: A very common and practical example. "春节 (Chūnjié)" is the time frame, and **期间** specifies that the action (shops closing) happened throughout that period.
  *   **Example 2:**
    *   会议**期间**，请把手机调成静音。
    *   Pinyin: Huìyì **qījiān**, qǐng bǎ shǒujī tiáo chéng jìngyīn.
    *   English: During the meeting, please set your phone to silent.
    *   Analysis: This shows a common formal usage. "会议 (huìyì)" is the defined event.
  *   **Example 3:**
    *   我上大学**期间**，在外面打过工。
    *   Pinyin: Wǒ shàng dàxué **qījiān**, zài wàimiàn dǎguo gōng.
    *   English: During my time in university, I worked a part-time job.
    *   Analysis: Used here to describe a significant life period. "上大学 (shàng dàxué)" acts as the time-defining phrase.
  *   **Example 4:**
    *   第二次世界大战**期间**，生活非常困难。
    *   Pinyin: Dì-èr cì shìjiè dàzhàn **qījiān**, shēnghuó fēicháng kùnnán.
    *   English: During World War II, life was extremely difficult.
    *   Analysis: Demonstrates its use for major historical periods.
  *   **Example 5:**
    *   在此**期间**，我们完成了很多重要的项目。
    *   Pinyin: Zài cǐ **qījiān**, wǒmen wánchéngle hěn duō zhòngyào de xiàngmù.
    *   English: During this period, we completed many important projects.
    *   Analysis: "在此期间 (zài cǐ qījiān)" is a very useful set phrase meaning "during this time" or "in the meantime." The "在 (zài)" is often added for emphasis.
  *   **Example 6:**
    *   疫情**期间**，我们学会了在线工作。
    *   Pinyin: Yìqíng **qījiān**, wǒmen xuéhuìle zàixiàn gōngzuò.
    *   English: During the pandemic, we learned to work online.
    *   Analysis: A modern and highly relevant example.
  *   **Example 7:**
    *   她怀孕**期间**胃口特别好。
    *   Pinyin: Tā huáiyùn **qījiān** wèikǒu tèbié hǎo.
    *   English: Her appetite was especially good during her pregnancy.
    *   Analysis: Perfect for describing a specific phase in a person's life.
  *   **Example 8:**
    *   放假**期间**，我打算去旅行。
    *   Pinyin: Fàngjià **qījiān**, wǒ dǎsuàn qù lǚxíng.
    *   English: During the holiday, I plan to travel.
    *   Analysis: A simple, conversational example. "放假 (fàngjià)" means "to have a holiday," so "放假期间" is "during the holiday period."
  *   **Example 9:**
    *   活动**期间**，注册即可获得免费礼物。
    *   Pinyin: Huódòng **qījiān**, zhùcè jí kě huòdé miǎnfèi lǐwù.
    *   English: During the promotional event, you can get a free gift just by registering.
    *   Analysis: Shows its use in marketing and commercial contexts.
  *   **Example 10:**
    *   他在住院**期间**读完了三本书。
    *   Pinyin: Tā zài zhùyuàn **qījiān** dú wánle sān běn shū.
    *   English: He finished reading three books during his hospitalization.
    *   Analysis: Another example where "在 (zài)" can be added before the time phrase to mean "in/at/during."
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between **期间 (qījiān)** and **的时候 (de shíhou)**.
  *   **期间 (qījiān):**
    *   **Focus:** The entire span of a defined, often formal, period.
    *   **Tone:** More formal.
    *   **Use:** Best for distinct periods like holidays (春节期间), historical events (战争期间), or formal processes (会议期间). It emphasizes the whole duration.
  *   **的时候 (de shíhou):**
    *   **Focus:** Can refer to the whole period, but often refers to a point *in time* when something was happening.
    *   **Tone:** More casual and conversational.
    *   **Use:** More flexible. Can be used for actions (`我吃饭的时候` - while I was eating) or general periods (`我小的时候` - when I was little).
**Common Mistake 1: Using it as a preposition.**
  *   **Incorrect:** `我期间上大学认识了她。` (Wǒ qījiān shàng dàxué rènshi le tā.)
  *   **Reason:** This tries to use 期间 like the English word "during." It must come *after* the time phrase.
  *   **Correct:** `我上大学期间认识了她。` (Wǒ shàng dàxué qījiān rènshi le tā.)
**Common Mistake 2: Using 期间 for a point in time.**
  *   **Incorrect:** `我到家期间，他已经走了。` (Wǒ dào jiā qījiān, tā yǐjīng zǒu le.)
  *   **Reason:** "Arriving home" (到家) is a moment, not a duration. **期间** needs a span of time.
  *   **Correct:** `我到家的时候，他已经走了。` (Wǒ dào jiā de shíhou, tā yǐjīng zǒu le.) - When I got home, he had already left.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  *   [[的时候]] (de shíhou) - The most common alternative. More informal and flexible, often translated as "when" or "while."
  *   [[时期]] (shíqī) - A synonym that often refers to a broader historical period or an abstract phase (e.g., `困难时期` - a difficult period). It's less about a specific, contained event.
  *   [[时代]] (shídài) - A much broader term meaning "era" or "age," like `数字时代` (shùzì shídài - the digital age).
  *   [[之内]] (zhī nèi) - Means "within" a certain time limit, emphasizing the boundary. Often used with specific lengths of time, e.g., `三天之内` (sān tiān zhī nèi - within three days).
  *   [[过程]] (guòchéng) - Refers to the "process" of an event, focusing on the development and steps rather than just the time it occupies.
  *   [[当中]] (dāngzhōng) - Means "in the middle of" or "among." It can be used for time (`在学习当中` - in the middle of studying) but also for physical location.