When combined, `当时 (dāngshí)` literally means “at [that] time,” creating a very direct and logical word for referring to a previously established moment.
`当时` is a cornerstone of Chinese narrative and recollection. While it translates to “at that time,” its cultural function is more specific than the English equivalent. In English, we might use “back then” to evoke a general, often nostalgic, sense of a bygone era. `当时`, however, is less about nostalgia and more about precision. It functions like a director's cue in a film, cutting directly to a specific scene that has already been set up. For example, if a friend is recounting a difficult business negotiation, they will use `当时` to pull the listener right into the tension of that specific moment: “The client was about to walk out. `当时` I was so nervous.” This reflects a communication style that values clear, context-linked storytelling. It's less about a vague feeling of the past and more about anchoring a detail to a specific, shared point of reference in a conversation. It's the tool you use to say, “Okay, remember that moment we were just talking about? Here’s exactly what happened right then.”
`当时` is extremely common in both spoken and written Chinese. Its usage falls into two main categories: 1. Referring to a Past Context (“At that time”) This is the most common use. You first establish a time frame (e.g., “when I was a child,” “last year,” “during the meeting”), and then use `当时` to add more details about that specific time. It's used in everyday chat, formal reports, and news articles.
2. Describing an Immediate Reaction (“On the spot / Right then and there”) This usage is also very common and crucial to understand. It describes an action or feeling that happens immediately in response to a situation.
1. `当时` vs. `那时候 (nà shíhou)`: This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
2. Mistaking the Two Meanings: English speakers often only learn the “at that time” meaning and get confused when they hear `当时` used to mean “immediately.”