HSK 7-9
时A时B
shí A shí B
Sometimes A sometimes B
Structure
时 + [Monosyllabic Word A] + 时 + [Monosyllabic Word B]
How it works
The '时A时B' structure is a formal literary pattern used to describe actions or states that alternate rapidly or occur intermittently. It typically involves antonyms or contrasting monosyllabic verbs/adjectives to emphasize constant change or fluctuation.
Examples
这里的气候多变，时晴时雨。
Zhèlǐ de qìhòu duōbiàn, shí qíng shí yǔ.
The climate here is volatile; sometimes it's sunny and sometimes it rains.
窗外的霓虹灯时暗时明，闪烁不定。
Chuāngwài de níhóngdēng shí àn shí míng, shǎnshuò bùdìng.
The neon lights outside the window are sometimes dim and sometimes bright, flickering constantly.
他最近的情绪起伏很大，时喜时忧。
Tā zuìjìn de qíngxù qǐfú hěn dà, shí xǐ shí yōu.
His emotions have been fluctuating greatly lately; sometimes he is happy and sometimes he is worried.
Common mistakes
Using polysyllabic words (e.g., '时快乐时悲伤') instead of monosyllabic ones, which breaks the formal rhythmic balance of the structure.
Tip
Think of this as a more formal, 'four-character' version of '有时…有时…'. Focus on using pairs of opposites like '高/低' (high/low) or '隐/现' (hidden/visible).
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 时A时B in real Chinese
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