Usage of 当时
当时 is a time adverb meaning "at that time" or "then." It is used to refer to a specific moment or period in the past, often to set the context for a story or explanation. It usually appears at the beginning or middle of a sentence to indicate when something happened.
Common Collocations
- 当时 + verb: to describe what was happening at that time (e.g., 当时我在学校 - I was at school then).
- 当时的 + noun: to specify the situation or condition at that time (e.g., 当时的天气 - the weather at that time).
Nuances
Using 当时 implies a clear reference to a past moment that is relevant to the current conversation. It often contrasts with the present or other times. It is more formal and precise than just saying "那时" or "那时候," which are more casual.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 当时 with 现在 (now) or 以后 (afterwards). 当时 strictly refers to a past moment. Also, avoid mixing it with 当天, which means "that day" but focuses on the date rather than the moment.
Summary
当时 is essential for narrating past events with a clear temporal anchor. It helps speakers specify when something occurred, making stories and explanations clearer and more vivid.