As with any language, scheduling and discussing plans in Chinese is a foundational skill for daily life and professional interactions. From setting a date for a meal with friends to booking a business meeting, understanding the vocabulary and structures related to making appointments is essential. This article will explore key phrases and vocabulary used to make appointments suitable for learners from HSK 1 to HSK 3.
Basic Vocabulary
- 时间 (shíjiān) – Time
- 日期 (rìqī) – Date
- 今天 (jīntiān) – Today
- 明天 (míngtiān) – Tomorrow
- 星期 (xīngqī) – Week
- 约 (yuē) – To make an appointment
- 时候 (shíhòu) – When
Days of the Week
- 星期一 (xīngqī yī) – Monday
- 星期二 (xīngqī èr) – Tuesday
- 星期三 (xīngqī sān) – Wednesday
- 星期四 (xīngqī sì) – Thursday
- 星期五 (xīngqī wǔ) – Friday
- 星期六 (xīngqī liù) – Saturday
- 星期天 (xīngqī tiān) or 星期日 (xīngqī rì) – Sunday
Making the Appointment
When you’re suggesting a time or checking availability, you may use these structures:
- 你星期五有时间吗? (Nǐ xīngqī wǔ yǒu shíjiān ma?) – Do you have time on Friday?
- 我们星期三下午三点见怎么样? (Wǒmen xīngqī sān xiàwǔ sān diǎn jiàn zěnme yàng?) – How about we meet at 3 pm on Wednesday?
- 我星期四有一个约会。 (Wǒ xīngqī sì yǒu yīgè yuēhuì.) – I have an appointment on Thursday.
Changing or Confirming the Appointment
Sometimes, you’ll need to modify or affirm the time:
- 我星期二不能见你,可以改到星期五吗? (Wǒ xīngqī èr bùnéng jiàn nǐ, kěyǐ gǎi dào xīngqī wǔ ma?) – I can’t meet you on Tuesday, can we change to Friday?
- 我们约了明天下午四点,对吗? (Wǒmen yuē le míngtiān xiàwǔ sì diǎn, duì ma?) – Our appointment is at 4 pm tomorrow, right?
Additional Vocabulary
For those advancing to HSK 3, consider incorporating these words:
- 取消 (qǔxiāo) – Cancel
- 提前 (tíqián) – In advance
- 推迟 (tuīchí) – Postpone
Conclusion
Appointment-making in Chinese, as in any language, requires a combination of vocabulary and cultural nuances. The phrases listed above are foundational for learners of HSK 1 through HSK 3, but as with any skill, practice is essential. Engage in conversations, schedule simulated meetings, and immerse yourself to the greatest extent possible. You will master this essential aspect of daily Chinese communication with consistent effort.
FAQs: Making Appointments in Chinese
1. When setting an appointment, How do I specify morning, afternoon, or evening?
- Morning: 上午 (shàngwǔ)
- Afternoon: 下午 (xiàwǔ)
- Evening: 晚上 (wǎnshàng)
2. How do I ask if someone is available “now”?
- Use: 你现在有时间吗? (Nǐ xiànzài yǒu shíjiān ma?)
3. How do I say “reschedule” in Chinese?
- The term “reschedule” can be translated as 重新安排 (chóngxīn ānpái).
4. Is there a polite way to decline an appointment?
- Yes! You can say: 对不起，那天我有其他的计划。 (Duìbùqǐ, nà tiān wǒ yǒu qítā de jìhuà.) which means, “Sorry, I have other plans that day.”
5. What’s the difference between “约” (yuē) and “约会” (yuēhuì)?
- “约” (yuē) is a verb meaning “to make an appointment” or “to invite.” “约会” (yuēhuì) is a noun referring to an appointment or date.
6. Can I use numbers directly after “星期” (xīngqī) to mention the days?
- Yes! For instance, 星期一 (xīngqī yī) is Monday, and 星期五 (xīngqī wǔ) is Friday.
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