noun / measure word HSK 4
period · phase · stage · issue (of publication) · scheduled time
Meaning
期 refers to a defined period of time, a scheduled date, or a stage in a series. It appears in many compound words related to time periods, deadlines, and periodic publications. As a measure word, it counts issues of magazines, courses in a series, or phases of projects.
Usage
Commonly used in formal and everyday contexts for scheduled times (如期 'as scheduled'), expectations (期待 'to expect'), deadlines (期限 'deadline'), and periodic things like magazine issues or training sessions. Often appears in compound words rather than standing alone.
Examples
- 01这本杂志每月出一期。.This magazine comes out once a month.
- 02我们期待与你的合作。.We look forward to cooperating with you.
Measure words
- 期第一期杂志
Common collocations
- 期待to expect, to look forward to
- 期限deadline, time limit
- 如期as scheduled, on schedule
- 到期to expire, to fall due
Origin
The character combines 月 (moon/month) and 其 (phonetic component), originally relating to lunar phases and cyclical time periods.