dou3 si4 hau6到時候到时候
Jyutpingdou3 si4 hau6
Yaledou sìh hauh
Definition
By that time; when the time comes; when a future point in time is reached.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Functions as a temporal connector to bridge a current plan or prediction with a future outcome. It implies that a specific condition or event will be met at a later point, often serving as a pivot for a consequence or a change in circumstances. It is frequently used to reassure someone or to justify delaying an action until a more opportune moment.
Examples
Work harder now, and you will definitely succeed when the time comes.
Just go buy it next month, there might be a sale by then.
Related words
Common phrases
we will talk about it when the time comes
we will worry about it when the time comes
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean 'at that time' in the past tense, as it is strictly reserved for future projections. For past events, use 嗰陣時 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
