When: meaning, definitions and examples
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when
[ wɛn ]
connecting words
Used to connect two parts of a sentence, indicating a time or event that is true or possible if another thing happens first.
Synonyms
as soon as, whenever
Examples of usage
- When I finish my work, I will go for a walk.
- I will call you when I arrive.
time
At or during the time that.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I was just leaving when the phone rang.
- He's always happy when he's with his friends.
question
A question word that is used to ask about the time of an event or situation.
Synonyms
at what time, on what occasion
Examples of usage
- When is your birthday?
- When did you arrive?
Translations
Translations of the word "when" in other languages:
🇵🇹 quando
🇮🇳 कब
🇩🇪 wann
🇮🇩 kapan
🇺🇦 коли
🇵🇱 kiedy
🇯🇵 いつ
🇫🇷 quand
🇪🇸 cuándo
🇹🇷 ne zaman
🇰🇷 언제
🇸🇦 متى
🇨🇿 kdy
🇸🇰 kedy
🇨🇳 什么时候
🇸🇮 kdaj
🇮🇸 hvenær
🇰🇿 қашан
🇬🇪 როდის
🇦🇿 nə vaxt
🇲🇽 cuándo
Word origin
The word 'when' originated from Old English 'hwenne', which evolved from Proto-Germanic 'hwannē'. It has been used in the English language for centuries, serving as a conjunction, adverb, and question word. The concept of time and sequence has been central to the meaning and usage of 'when'.
See also: whenever.