时刻

時刻
shíkè
noun HSK 3 #1,224

Meanings

  1. 1 moment; instant; point in time
  2. 2 constantly; at all times; always

Examples

Zhè shì yí gè zhòngyào de shíkè.
This is an important moment.
Wǒmen yào shíkè zhùyì ānquán.
We must always pay attention to safety.
Jīdòng rénxīn de shíkè dào le.
The exciting moment has arrived.

Tips

usage
时刻 has two uses: as a noun meaning 'moment/point in time' (关键时刻 critical moment), and as an adverb meaning 'at all times/constantly' (时刻准备 always be prepared).
usage
时刻 vs 时候: 时刻 refers to a specific, often significant point in time. 时候 is more general and casual, meaning 'time' or 'when.'

Stroke Order

shí