…之际
HSK 6- Time
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure …之际 is used to indicate a particular moment or occasion, and typically carries a formal tone.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
…之际 (zhī jì) is a formal equivalent of …的时候, meaning "at the time of," "on the occasion of," or "in the midst of." This structure is commonly used in written language, news, or formal speeches to indicate an important moment or special occasion.
It can follow a verb phrase (e.g., 毕业之际 - on the occasion of graduation) or a noun phrase (e.g., 春节之际 - on the occasion of the Spring Festival).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 分别之际，他没说一句话。繁: 分別之際，他沒說一句話。Fēnbié zhī jì, tā méi shuō yí jù huà.
At the moment of parting, he didn't say a single word.
- 新年到来之际，祝您万事如意。繁: 新年到來之際，祝您萬事如意。Xīnnián dàolái zhī jì, zhù nín wànshì rúyì.
As the new year arrives, I wish you all the best in everything.
- 在危急之际，消防员赶到了。繁: 在危急之際，消防員趕到了。Zài wēijí zhī jì, xiāofángyuán gǎndào le.
At the critical moment, the firefighters arrived in time.
- 毕业之际，我们拍了很多照片。繁: 畢業之際，我們拍了很多照片。Bìyè zhī jì, wǒmen pāi le hěn duō zhàopiàn.
On the occasion of graduation, we took many photos.
- 国庆节之际，到处都挂着国旗。繁: 國慶節之際，到處都掛著國旗。Guóqìngjié zhī jì, dàochù dōu guà zhe guóqí.
On the occasion of National Day, flags are hung everywhere.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我回家之际，妈妈在做饭。Correct:我回家的时候，妈妈在做饭。
之际 is too formal for everyday situations; use 的时候 for a more natural tone when expressing "when I get home."
- Wrong:之际春节，我们都很高兴。Correct:春节之际，我们都很高兴。
之际 must stand after a noun or time phrase and cannot stand alone at the beginning of a sentence.