期间 (qījiān)

期间 refers to a span of time or a period during which something takes place, often used after a noun to indicate "during X."

Meanings

[noun] period; duration; the time during which something happens

Example Sentences

假期期间，很多人选择去旅游。 Jiàqī qījiān, hěn duō rén xuǎnzé qù lǚyóu. During the holiday period, many people choose to travel.

活动期间请保持安静。 Huódòng qījiān qǐng bǎochí ānjìng. Please keep quiet during the event.

工作期间不能使用手机。 Gōngzuò qījiān bù néng shǐyòng shǒujī. You cannot use your phone during working hours.

这段期间他学到了很多东西。 Zhè duàn qījiān tā xué dào le hěn duō dōngxi. During this period he learned a great deal.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
假期期间	during the holiday
工作期间	during working hours
培训期间	during training
这段期间	during this period

Usage Notes

期间 is typically preceded by a noun phrase that defines the time frame, such as 假期, 会议, or 活动. It is more formal than 的时候 and is common in written Chinese. It cannot stand alone as a subject or object without a modifying phrase.

Memory Hook

期 means "period of time" and 间 means "in between": 期间 is literally the time in between, a period sandwiched between two moments.