When talking about when something happens, 以后 (yǐhòu) and 的时候 (de shíhou) are often used. They can both be translated as "when," but their meanings are different, so they can't be used in situations you might expect them to be used in. Take a look at this article if you want to figure it out! Structure --------------------------------------------------------- 以后 and 的时候 both appear in the same place in the sentence. That is, after the verb. The difference comes in what they actually mean. 以后 ------------------------------------------------------------- [以后](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/After_a_specific_time) technically means after, so it is used *after* the action is completed. This can be seen as a way of saying "When you are done (verb)ing." ### Examples 的时候 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 的时候 means "when" in the sense of [during an action](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/At_the_time_when). For example, "when you play ball" can be seen as "when you are playing ball." It is this sort of difference that can make 以后 and 的时候 slightly confusing at times. ### Examples 的时候 is also similar to using [the 一边 structure](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Simultaneous_tasks_with_%22yibian%22). However, 一边 uses two conscious actions that you do, whereas "的时候" can use sub-conscious or unexpected actions. Similar Usage ----------------------------------------------------------------- Now we get to a really confusing part! There are instances where *both* 以后 and 的时候 could work and still mean the same thing. These are times when there isn't really a duration, it just happens in an instant. For example, "when you see her." This means, "as soon as you see her," so there is only one point where you first see a person. In this case, you can use either one. ### Examples See also ------------------------------------------------------- - [After a specific time](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/After_a_specific_time) - [At the time when](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/At_the_time_when) - [Simultaneous tasks with "yibian"](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Simultaneous_tasks_with_%22yibian%22) - [Comparing "yihou" and "zhihou"](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Comparing_%22yihou%22_and_%22zhihou%22) Sources and further reading --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Books - [Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed)](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Integrated_Chinese:_Level_1,_Part_2_(3rd_ed)) (pp. 293-4) [→buy](http://amzn.to/2femBuy) ### Videos - [Yoyo Chinese Grammar "When you get home"](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v469o3lXaYk) \