When: meaning, definitions and examples

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when

 

[ wɛn ]

Conjunction / Adverb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Conjunction

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.
Context #2 | Adverb

time

At or during the time that.

Synonyms

as, while

Examples of usage

  • I was just leaving when the phone rang.
  • He's always happy when he's with his friends.
Context #3 | Noun

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #32, this is one of the most fundamental words in English. It's absolutely essential to master this word as it forms the backbone of English communication and appears in almost every conversation or text.