倒计时

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"倒计时" (dàojìshí) literally means "counting down time." It is commonly used to describe the process of counting backwards to zero before an event starts, such as New Year's Eve, sports competitions, or deadlines.

Common Contexts

This word is often seen in contexts involving anticipation or preparation, like the final moments before a celebration or the start of a race. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate urgency or a limited remaining time.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 倒计时开始 (countdown begins): used when the countdown officially starts.
  • 倒计时结束 (countdown ends): marks the end of the countdown.
  • 倒计时 (countdown timer): a device or app feature that counts down.

Usage Notes

倒计时 is a noun but can function as a verb phrase in casual speech (e.g., "我们倒计时" meaning "Let's do the countdown"). It is formal enough for news and announcements but also common in everyday conversation. Avoid confusing it with "" which means "timing" or "measuring elapsed time" rather than counting down.

Example Sentences

The New Year's countdown has started, everyone is very excited.

There are ten seconds left on the countdown for the match, the players are

We use a countdown to remind ourselves not to forget the important meeting