單詞詳解

time（BrE /ta?m/）

小試身手
請使用time將以下的12個句子翻譯成英文。

1. 他們說時間能治愈所有的傷痛。
2. 我的表很準。
3. 當地時間6點
4. 我覺得該去睡覺了。
5. 我們沒有時間可以浪費。
6. 我曾經在埃及住過一段時間。
7. 對于失業者來說日子很艱難。
8. 我每一次聽到那首歌都很開心。
9. 我在醫院過得很糟。
10. 勝出者花了11.6秒。
11. 這一段音樂是四四拍。
12. 嘗試跟上音樂的節拍。

答案

1. 他們說時間能治愈所有的傷痛。 They say that time heals all wounds.
2. 我的表很準。 My watch keeps perfect time (= always shows the correct time).
3. 當地時間6點 6 o’clock local time
4. 我覺得該去睡覺了。 time (to do something) I think it's time to go to bed.
5. 我們沒有時間可以浪費。 We have no time to lose (= we must hurry).
6. 我曾經在埃及住過一段時間。 I lived in Egypt for a time.
7. 對于失業者來說日子很艱難。 Times are hard for the unemployed.
8. 我每一次聽到那首歌都很開心。 Every time I hear that song I feel happy.
9. 我在醫院過得很糟。 I had an awful time in the hospital.
10. 勝出者花了11.6秒。 The winner's time was 11.6 seconds.
11. 這一段音樂是四四拍。 This piece is in four-four time.
12. 嘗試跟上音樂的節拍。 Try and dance in time to the music (= with the same speed and rhythm).

12種意思詳解（采用意譯）

minutes/hours/years, etc.

1. [uncountable] what is measured in minutes, hours, days, etc.

• The changing seasons mark the passing of time. 季節的變遷標志著時間的流逝。
• A visit to the museum will take you back in time to the 1930s. 一次博物館的游覽將帶你回到20世紀30年代。
• time and space 時間和空間
• As time went by we saw less and less of each other. 隨著時間的流逝，我們越來越不了解對方。
• Perceptions change over time (= as time passes). 認知隨著時間而變化。
• They say that time heals all wounds. 他們說時間能治愈一切創傷。

這一條意思主要代指抽象的時間，常用的搭配有 1. 時間的流逝 2. 某某時代某某年代 3. 時間變化。

2. [uncountable] the time shown on a clock in minutes and hours

• What time is it/What’s the time? 現在幾點了？
• Do you have the time? 你知道時間嗎？
• (British English) What time do you make it? 你表幾點了？
• (North American English) What time do you have? 你表幾點了？
• The time is now half past ten. 現在十點半。
• (British English) Can she tell the time yet (= say what time it is by looking at a clock)? 她知道時間嗎？
• (North American English) Can she tell time yet? 她知道時間嗎？
• My watch keeps perfect time (= always shows the correct time). 我的表很準。
• Look at the time! We'll be late. 看看時間！我們會遲到的。
• This time tomorrow I'll be in Canada. 明天這個時候我已經在加拿大了。

這條用法與第一條形成對比，指具體的時間（幾點幾分），一般用于問時間和表達某個特定的時刻。

3. [uncountable] the time measured in a particular part of the world

• Greenwich Mean Time 格林尼治平均時間（格林尼治標準時間，指位于英國倫敦郊區的皇家格林尼治天文臺的標準時間，因為本初子午線被定義在通過那里的經線。縮寫為GMT）
• 6 o’clock local time 當地時間六點

這條用法指時區意義上的時間。

4. [uncountable, countable] the time when something happens or when something should happen

• What time do you finish work? 你什么時候能完成？
• The baby loves bath time. 寶寶很喜歡洗澡的時間。
• time (to do something) I think it's time to go to bed. 我覺得該去睡覺了。
• This is hardly the time to discuss politics. 現在不是討論政治的時候。
• time (for something) It's time for lunch. 到午飯時間了。
• time (that)… It's time the kids were in bed. 到孩子們睡覺的時間了。
• By the time you get there the meeting will be over. 你趕到的時候會應該開完了。
• A computer screen shows arrival and departure times. 電子屏會顯示到達時間和出發時間。
• The train arrived right on time (= at exactly the correct time). 火車準點到達。
• You'll feel differently about it when the time comes (= when it happens). 當你自己經歷的時候你就不會這樣想了。
• Have I called at a bad time? Shall I call back later? 你現在是不是不太方便？我晚點再打過來吧。
• The promotion came at just the right time for me. 這次晉升對我來說正是時候。
• We stock six different beers at any one time. 我們在任何時候都備著六種不同的啤酒。

這條用法介于用法1和用法2之間，既不指完全抽象意義上的時間，也不指具體的時刻，而是指有給定的特定情境的那一刻。經常使用的搭配有 1. 未來的某個時刻 2. 做某事的時刻 3. 到達時間和出發時間 4. 正是時候和不是時候 。

period

5. [uncountable] time (to do something) an amount of time; the amount of time available to work, rest, etc.

• Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. 留出足夠的時間以便能趕到機場。
• I can probably make the time to see them. 我可能能擠出時間來見他們。
• It takes time to make changes in the law. 法律修改是需要時間的。
• We have no time to lose (= we must hurry). 我們沒有時間可以浪費。
• We got to the airport with time to spare. 我們有足夠的時間到達機場。
• He spends most of his time working. 他大部分的時間都在工作。
• She doesn’t have much free/spare time. 她沒有多少空閑時間。
• Sorry, I can’t spare the time. 抱歉，我抽不出時間。
• What a waste of time! 簡直是浪費時間！
• I didn't finish the test—I ran out of time. 我沒有做完考試題--我時間不夠。
• Time's up—have you worked out the answer yet? 時間到了--你做出來了嗎？
• He never takes any time off (= time spent not working). 他從不休息。
• Jane's worked here for some time (= for a fairly long period of time). 簡在這里工作一段時間了。
• Do it now please—not in three hours' time (= three hours from now). 現在就做--而不是三小時后。
• The journey time is two hours. 旅行時間是兩小時。
• I don’t want to take up too much of your precious time. 我不想占用太多你寶貴的時間。
• What’s the hurry? We have all the time in the world. 有什么著急的？我們擁有世界上所有的時間。

這一條表示一定數量的時間，一般多用于表示用來工作，休息等特定用途的時間。與前面的釋義不同的是這一條表示一段時間而不是某一刻。

6. a time [singular] a period of time, either long or short, during which you do something or something happens

• His injuries will take a long time to heal. 他的傷要好長一段時間才會好。
• Did you have to wait a long time to see the doctor? 你是不是要等很長一段時間才能見到醫生？
• I lived in Egypt for a time. 我曾經有一段時間住在埃及。
• The early morning is the best time of day. 清晨是一天中最好的時段。
• Her parents died a long time ago. 他的父母很早以前就過世了。
• At one time (= at a period of time in the past) Emily was my best friend. 艾米麗曾經是我最好的朋友。
• Mr Curtis was the manager in my time (= when I was working there). 我在那兒工作的時候柯蒂斯先生是經理。

這一用法表示特定情境下的一段時間，可以與4進行對比。常用于過去時態。一般用于單數。

7. [uncountable, plural] a period of history connected with particular events or experiences in people’s lives

• The movie is set at the time of the Russian Revolution. 這部電影的背景被定為俄國大革命時期。
• in ancient times 在古時候
• the violent times we live in (= the present period of history) 我們生活的暴力時代
• the politician who promised ‘peace in our time’ 承諾“我們這個時代的和平”的政治家
• Times are hard for the unemployed. 失業者們的日子很難過。
• Times have changed since Grandma was young. 祖父很小的時候起時代就變了。

6中用法多為個人行為，而這條用法多賦予重大事件的含義，語義重，用于過去式，使用不可數或復數，常譯為 1. 時期 2. 時代 3. 日子 。

8. [countable] an occasion when you do something or when something happens

• Every time I hear that song I feel happy. 我每次聽到那首歌都會很開心。
• It doesn't matter if you don't win every time (= every time you play). 你不用每次都贏。
• Next time you're here let's have lunch together. 下次你來的時候一起吃午飯吧。
• He failed his driving test three times. 他駕考三次都沒過。
• He's determined to pass this time. 他決定這次一定要通過。
• When was the last time you saw her? 你上次什么時候見到她的？
• How many times (= how often) do I have to tell you not to do that? 我要告訴你幾遍不能做那件事？
• (especially North American English) I remember one time (= once) we had to abandon our car in the snow. 我記得有一次大雪我們不得不丟棄我們的車。
• (formal) At no time did I give my consent to the plan. 我無論怎樣都沒有同意那個計劃。

To talk about the first or the last time you do something, use the first/last time (that) I…:This is the first time (that) I’ve been to London.This is the first time for me to go to London.That was the last time (that) I saw her.

某一特定情境，可數，常用搭配為 1. 每次，幾次，這次，下次，上次 2. 有一次，任何時候

occasion/event

9. [countable] an event or occasion that you experience in a particular way

• Did you have a good time in Spain? 你在西班牙過得開心嗎？
• I had an awful time in the hospital. 我在醫院里過得很糟。
• Mike and I shared some really good times. 邁克和我分享了一些好的經歷。

指某次經歷。

for race

10. [countable, uncountable] how long somebody takes to run a race or complete an event

• The winner's time was 11.6 seconds. 第一名花了11.6秒。
• She completed the 500 metres in record time (= faster than any previous runner). 她刷新了500米跑的記錄。
• one of the fastest times ever 曾經的一次記錄

這條中的time表示記錄時間，用于跑步等競技中。

in music

11. [uncountable] the number of beats in a bar / measure of music

• This piece is in four-four time. 這一段音樂是四四拍。
• a slow waltz time 一段慢速的華爾茲
• The conductor beat time with a baton. 指揮用指揮棒打拍子。

這個用法之前都沒有見過，主要表示音樂中的節拍。

12. [uncountable] the correct speed and rhythm of a piece of music

• Try and dance in time to the music (= with the same speed and rhythm). 嘗試跟上音樂的節拍。
• Clap your hands to keep time (= sing or move with the correct speed and rhythm). 拍手來跟上節拍。
• to play in/out of time (= follow/not follow the correct speed and rhythm) 跟上節拍/跟不上節拍
• He always plays in perfect time. 他總是完美地跟上節拍。

同樣表示音樂的節拍，但與上一條不同的時這里不是指節拍本身（幾幾拍），而是指音樂的快慢（需要音樂細胞），常用于搭配 1. in time to the music 2. kepp time 3. to play in time/out of time

總結

• 12種意思可以分為5個大類，分別為 1. minutes/hours/years, etc. 2. period 3. occasion/event 4. for race 5. in music
• 有可數也有不可數，一般原則為抽象不可數，具體可數
• 對應中文譯文有 1. 時間 2. 一次兩次三次 3. 時代時期 4. 曾經有一次 5. 時間記錄 6. 音樂節拍

小試身手2
請嘗試理解下面的12個英文句子。

1. His designs were way ahead of his time.
2. She leaves the lights on all the time.
3. You have to be firm, but at the same time you should try and be sympathetic.
4. She ran up the stairs two at a time.
5. Eyesight doesn't get any better at my time of life.
6. The rain will become heavy at times in the afternoon.
7. She beat time with her fingers.
8. She got old before her time.
9. According to the latest opinion polls, the government is living on borrowed time.
10. He decided to bide his time until he got an opportunity to talk to her alone.
11. The kids had a whale of a time at the theme park.
12. It is possible that in the course of time a cure for cancer will be found.

答案

1. His designs were way ahead of his time. 他的設計遠遠領先于他的時代。
2. She leaves the lights on all the time. 她總是忘記關燈。
3. You have to be firm, but at the same time you should try and be sympathetic. 你必須堅定，但同時你應該嘗試并且富有同情心。
4. She ran up the stairs two at a time. 她每次跨兩個臺階。
5. Eyesight doesn't get any better at my time of life. 在我這個年紀，視力不會變好了。
6. The rain will become heavy at times in the afternoon. 下午有時雨會變大。
7. She beat time with her fingers. 她用手指打節拍。
8. She got old before her time. 她比同齡人老得快。
9. According to the latest opinion polls, the government is living on borrowed time. 根據最近的民意調查，政府已經是在茍延殘喘。
10. He decided to bide his time until he got an opportunity to talk to her alone. 他決定在有單獨和她講話的機會前等待時機。
11. The kids had a whale of a time at the theme park. 孩子們在主題公園玩得很開心。
12. It is possible that in the course of time a cure for cancer will be found. 癌癥的治療法在未來很有可能會被找到。

搭配

1. They're working against time to try and get people out of the rubble alive.

against time
if you do something against time, you do it as fast as you can because you do not have much time

中文所說的“與死神搶時間”完美詮釋了這個習語吧。

2. We finished 15 minutes ahead of time.

ahead of/behind time
earlier/later than was expected

提前，落后，這個很簡單。

3. His designs were way ahead of his time.

ahead of your time
having advanced or new ideas that other people use or copy later

譯為 他的設計遠遠領先于他的時代。
這里要注意way表示副詞意思是“遠遠地”，然后是該詞組譯為 領先時代

4. She leaves the lights on all the time.

all the time, the whole time

• particular period of time
  The letter was in my pocket all the time (= while I was looking for it).
• very often; repeatedly
  She leaves the lights on all the time.

我們一般對上面一個用法比較熟悉，而沒有怎么見過第二個用法，該句譯為 她總是忘記關燈。

5. Our representatives are ready to help you at all times.

at all times
always

表示總是

6. He's never very happy at the best of times—he'll be much worse now!

at the best of times
even when the circumstances are very good

在最好的情況下

7. You have to be firm, but at the same time you should try and be sympathetic.

at the same time

• at one time; together
  She was laughing and crying at the same time.
• used to introduce a contrasting fact, etc. that must be considered
  You have to be firm, but at the same time you should try and be sympathetic.

中文均可譯為“同時”，但是第一個用法為真實的同時，而第二個用法表示要同時具有兩個看似矛盾的特質或考慮到兩個形成對比的事實。

8. She ran up the stairs two at a time.

at a time

• separately or in groups of two, three, etc. on each occasion
  We had to go and see the principal one at a time.
  She ran up the stairs two at a time.

表示一次做一件事或一次做幾件事。

9. Eyesight doesn't get any better at my time of life.

at my, your, his, etc. time of life
at the age you are (especially when you are not young)

表達某人幾歲時的高級用法。

10. The rain will become heavy at times in the afternoon.

at times

• sometimes
  He can be really bad-tempered at times.

sometimes的高級表達。

11. She beat time with her fingers.

beat time (to something)
to mark or follow the rhythm of music, by waving a stick, tapping your foot, etc.

她用手指打節拍。

12. She got old before her time.

before my, your, his, etc. time

• happening before you were born or can remember or before you lived, worked, etc. somewhere
  ‘Were you taught by Professor Pascal?’ ‘No, he was before my time.’
• before the usual time in somebody’s life when something happens
  She got old before her time.

她比同齡人老得快。

13. According to the latest opinion polls, the government is living on borrowed time.

be (living) on borrowed time

• to still be alive after the time when you were expected to die
  He’s been living on borrowed time ever since his last heart attack.
• to be doing something that other people are likely to soon stop you from doing
  According to the latest opinion polls, the government is living on borrowed time.

“借來的時間”要么表示向死神借的，要么表示茍延殘喘。

14. He decided to bide his time until he got an opportunity to talk to her alone.

bide your time
to wait for the right time to do something

bide表示等待，該詞組表示等待時機。

15. The negotiators kept the gunman talking to buy time for the hostages.

buy time
to do something in order to delay an event, a decision, etc.

拖延時間

16. I don't really like cities—give me the countryside every time.

every time
whenever there is a choice

17. From that day forth she gave me endless friendship and encouragement.

from that day/time forth
(literary) beginning on that day; from that time

18. The kids had a whale of a time at the theme park.

have a whale of a time
(informal) to enjoy yourself very much; to have a very good time

19. It is possible that in the course of time a cure for cancer will be found.

in the course of time
when enough time has passed

20. I have no doubt that she’ll tell us in the fullness of time.

in the fullness of time
when the time is appropriate, usually after a long period

21. They escaped from the smoke-filled house just in the nick of time.

in the nick of time
(informal) at the very last moment; just in time before something bad happens

22. He always does the work, but in his own sweet time.

in your own sweet time/way
how and when you want to, even though this might annoy other people

23. We made excellent time and arrived in Spain in two days.

make good, etc. time
to complete a journey quickly