In the journey of mastering Chinese, one of the more nuanced aspects learners encounter is the proper use of temporal references. Two such references that often cause confusion are 那时 (nàshí) and 当时 (dāngshí). While both terms translate to “at that time” in English, their usage in Mandarin Chinese carries distinct connotations and contexts. This article aims to elucidate these differences, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of when and how to use each term effectively.
Understanding 那时 (nàshí)
那时 (nàshí) is a temporal reference that translates to “at that time” or “then.” It is used to refer to a specific point in the past, which has often already been mentioned or implied in the conversation. The usage of 那时 often carries a sense of nostalgia or reflection on events that happened previously.
Usage of 那时 (nàshí)
1. **Referring to a Specific Time in the Past**:
– Example:
– 我们第一次见面是在十年前，那时我还在上大学。
– Translation: We first met ten years ago, and at that time, I was still in college.
2. **Nostalgic or Reflective Context**:
– Example:
– 那时的生活很简单，没有现在这么复杂。
– Translation: Life was simple back then, not as complicated as it is now.
3. **Implied or Previously Mentioned Time**:
– Example:
– 提到那次旅行，我想起了很多事情。那时我们都很年轻。
– Translation: Speaking of that trip, I remembered many things. We were all very young then.
In these examples, 那时 serves as a bridge to recall specific past moments or periods, often with a sentimental or reflective tone.
Key Points to Remember
– **Nostalgia and Reflection**: 那时 is frequently used when there is a sense of looking back fondly or contemplatively on past events.
– **Specific Past Time**: The time being referred to is often specific and may have been mentioned earlier in the conversation.
– **Emotional Undertone**: There is often an emotional undertone when using 那时, whether it’s nostalgia, wistfulness, or a simple reflection on past simplicity.
Understanding 当时 (dāngshí)
当时 (dāngshí) also translates to “at that time,” but it is used in a slightly different context. It refers to a specific moment or period in the past but is used more to describe conditions or circumstances at that time without the nostalgic or reflective connotations of 那时.
Usage of 当时 (dāngshí)
1. **Describing Conditions or Circumstances**:
– Example:
– 当时天气非常冷，我们不得不取消活动。
– Translation: It was extremely cold at that time, so we had to cancel the event.
2. **Reporting Facts or Events**:
– Example:
– 当时他正在开会，没时间接电话。
– Translation: He was in a meeting at that time and didn’t have time to answer the phone.
3. **Neutral or Factual Tone**:
– Example:
– 当时公司还没有发展到现在这么大。
– Translation: The company wasn’t as big as it is now back then.
In these examples, 当时 is used more neutrally to set the scene or provide context for past events without the same emotional weight as 那时.
Key Points to Remember
– **Descriptive and Factual**: 当时 is often used to describe past conditions or events in a neutral, factual manner.
– **Specific Past Context**: Like 那时, it refers to specific points or periods in the past but without emotional undertones.
– **Clear and Objective**: The use of 当时 is more about clearly stating circumstances or facts rather than reflecting on them emotionally.
Comparative Analysis
While both 那时 and 当时 translate to “at that time” in English, their usages in Mandarin Chinese are distinct and context-dependent. Here is a comparative analysis to help clarify their differences:
1. **Emotional Context**:
– 那时: Often used with a sense of nostalgia or reflection.
– 当时: Used in a more neutral, factual manner.
2. **Context of Usage**:
– 那时: Typically follows a previously mentioned or implied specific past event or period.
– 当时: Used to describe specific conditions or events at a particular past time, often providing context or background.
3. **Examples for Clarity**:
– 那时: “那时我们都很快乐。” (We were all happy then.)
– 当时: “当时我们正在忙着准备考试。” (We were busy preparing for exams at that time.)
Understanding these nuances can greatly enhance your ability to use these temporal references accurately in Mandarin Chinese. Let’s delve deeper into some practical scenarios to solidify this understanding.
Practical Scenarios
Scenario 1: Recalling Childhood
Imagine you are sharing stories about your childhood with a friend.
– 那时: “那时，我常常和朋友们一起在公园里玩。”
– Translation: Back then, I often played in the park with my friends.
– Usage Explanation: Here, 那时 is used to evoke a nostalgic memory of a simpler time during childhood.
– 当时: “当时，我父母工作很忙，所以我经常和祖父母在一起。”
– Translation: At that time, my parents were very busy with work, so I often stayed with my grandparents.
– Usage Explanation: In this sentence, 当时 is used to describe the factual circumstances of your parents being busy.
Scenario 2: Discussing a Past Event
Consider discussing a significant event, such as moving to a new city.
– 那时: “我们刚搬到这个城市，那时一切都很陌生。”
– Translation: We had just moved to this city, and everything was unfamiliar back then.
– Usage Explanation: 那时 is used here to reflect on the initial period after moving, with a sense of looking back.
– 当时: “当时我还不认识很多人，所以感觉有点孤独。”
– Translation: At that time, I didn’t know many people, so I felt a bit lonely.
– Usage Explanation: 当时 is used to describe the specific condition of not knowing many people and feeling lonely.
Scenario 3: Reflecting on a Historical Event
Imagine you are talking about a historical event, such as a significant political change.
– 那时: “那时的社会非常动荡，人们对未来充满了不确定感。”
– Translation: Society was very turbulent back then, and people were uncertain about the future.
– Usage Explanation: 那时 is used to evoke the general atmosphere and feelings of the period.
– 当时: “当时政府正处于改革阶段，很多政策都在变化。”
– Translation: The government was undergoing reforms at that time, and many policies were changing.
– Usage Explanation: 当时 is used to factually describe the specific actions and changes occurring at that period.
Practice and Application
To effectively internalize the differences between 那时 and 当时, it’s essential to practice using them in various contexts. Here are some exercises to help reinforce your understanding:
1. **Exercise 1: Sentence Completion**:
– Complete the sentences with either 那时 or 当时:
– 我们还在学校读书，______我们常常一起学习。
– 他刚开始工作，______他还不太熟悉公司的流程。
– ______我们家住在农村，生活很简单。
2. **Exercise 2: Translation Practice**:
– Translate the following sentences into Chinese, choosing the appropriate temporal reference:
– At that time, we were living in a small town.
– Back then, technology was not as advanced as it is now.
– The weather was very unpredictable at that time, so we had to be prepared for anything.
3. **Exercise 3: Contextual Usage**:
– Write a short paragraph describing a past event, using both 那时 and 当时 correctly. For example, describe a memorable trip, a significant life change, or a historical event you’ve learned about.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Understanding the nuances between 那时 and 当时 can be tricky, and learners often make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to help you avoid these pitfalls:
1. **Overlapping Usage**:
– Mistake: Using 那时 when a factual description is needed or 当时 when an emotional reflection is intended.
– Tip: Always consider the emotional tone and context of your sentence. If you are reflecting nostalgically or emotionally, 那时 is appropriate. For neutral, factual descriptions, 当时 is the better choice.
2. **Contextual Clarity**:
– Mistake: Using one term when the specific time period hasn’t been clearly established.
– Tip: Ensure that the specific time period or event is clear in the conversation before using 那时. For 当时, make sure the conditions or circumstances are explicitly described.
3. **Practice with Native Speakers**:
– Mistake: Relying solely on theoretical knowledge without practical application.
– Tip: Engage in conversations with native speakers and pay attention to how they use these temporal references. Practice using them in your own speech and writing to gain confidence and fluency.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of 那时 and 当时 is a crucial step in becoming proficient in Mandarin Chinese. While both terms translate to “at that time,” their usage varies based on context, emotional tone, and the specificity of the past event or period being referenced. By understanding these nuances and practicing their application, learners can enhance their ability to communicate more effectively and accurately in Chinese.
Remember, 那时 is your go-to for nostalgic or reflective contexts, while 当时 serves well for factual, descriptive scenarios. Through consistent practice and mindful application, the distinction between these temporal references will become second nature, enriching your Mandarin Chinese proficiency and depth of expression.
