àn shí
on time
我按时完成了作业。
wǒ ànshí wánchéngle zuòyè.
I finished my homework on time.
火车按时到达了。
huǒchē ànshí dàodále.
The train arrived on time.
他总是按时上班。
tā zǒngshì ànshí shàngbān.
He always goes to work on time.
准时 (zhǔnshí)
punctual
及时 (jíshí)
timely
不按时 (bù ànshí)
not on time
迟到 (chídào)
late
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The Chinese word 按时 is composed of two characters: 按 and 时. 按 means "according to" or "in accordance with", while 时 means "time". Together, they form the compound word 按时, which means "on time" or "punctual".The character 按 is derived from the oracle bone script, which is the earliest known form of Chinese writing. In the oracle bone script, 按 is depicted as a hand holding a stick. This image suggests that the original meaning of 按 was "to press" or "to push". Over time, the meaning of 按 expanded to include "to follow" or "to obey".The character 时 is also derived from the oracle bone script. In the oracle bone script, 时 is depicted as a sun and a moon. This image suggests that the original meaning of 时 was "time". Over time, the meaning of 时 expanded to include "season" and "opportunity".The compound word 按时 is first attested in the Warring States period (475-221 BC). It is used in a variety of texts, including the Analects of Confucius and the Mencius. In these texts, 按时 is used to mean "on time" or "punctual".Today, 按时 is still used to mean "on time" or "punctual". It is a common word that is used in both spoken and written Chinese.
