title: Time Adverbs in Chinese: Now, Soon, Sometimes, and More!
description: Learn how to use essential time adverbs like "马上" (soon), "先" (first), "有时" (sometimes), "在" (at/in/now), "正" & "正在" (right now) to sound more natural in Chinese.
level: HSK1
language: chinese
type: fill
Ever wonder how to say "soon" or "sometimes" in Chinese? Want to tell someone you’re "just watching TV" (and not ignoring their texts)? Time to supercharge your Chinese with 时间副词 (shíjiān fùcí) — time adverbs! Let’s meet today’s team:
马上 (mǎshàng) — soon, right away. Like when the doctor is always about to see you... but not quite yet.
先 (xiān) — first, before something else. (No line-cutting—just good manners!)
有时 (yǒushí) — sometimes. For all you commitment-phobes out there.
在 (zài) — (in this context) "be doing..." Like "I’m at it right now!"
正／正在 (zhèng／zhèngzài) — right now, in the middle of (adds emphasis to “zài”!).
Let’s look at them in action:
医生马上来。
The doctor will come soon.
老师，我先说吧。
Teacher, let me speak first.
他有时晚上上课。
He sometimes has classes at night.
我在看电视呢。
I am watching TV. (Literally: I am at watching TV.)
你等一下儿，他正吃饭呢。
Wait a moment, he is just eating right now.
他们正在唱歌。
They are singing (right now).
Super Quick Guide:
Use 马上 for things about to happen (think: "on my way!").
Use 先 when you politely want to go before someone, or do something first.
Use 有时 if you love surprises—about when things happen!
Use 在 + Verb + 呢 to describe what is happening now (like "-ing" in English).
Use 正 or 正在 to add a "right now this second, please do not disturb" feel.
Pro-tip: Using these little adverbs makes you sound way more natural AND they’re easy to mix into your sentences. Plus — when your boss texts “你在干什么？” (“What are you doing?”), now you can answer in style!