xīngqītiān: 星期天 - Sunday
Quick Summary
Keywords: 星期天, xingqitian, Sunday in Chinese, how to say Sunday in Chinese, week in Chinese, 星期日, 周日, Chinese days of the week, Chinese calendar, learn Chinese
Summary: Learn how to say 'Sunday' in Chinese with the word 星期天 (xīngqītiān), the most common and colloquial term. This guide explains its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage in modern China. Discover the key differences between 星期天, 星期日 (xīngqīrì), and 周日 (zhōurì), and master its use with over 10 practical example sentences. This is an essential resource for beginners learning the Chinese days of the week.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): xīngqītiān
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 1
Concise Definition: The seventh and final day of the week; Sunday.
In a Nutshell: 星期天 (xīngqītiān) is the most common, everyday way to say “Sunday” in Mandarin Chinese. While other terms exist, this is the one you'll hear most often in daily conversation. It evokes a feeling of rest, leisure, and family time, much like “Sunday” does in English, and marks the end of the week for most people.
Character Breakdown
星 (xīng): Star. This character originated as a pictograph of stars in the night sky.
期 (qī): A period of time, a cycle, or a phase (like a school term).
天 (tiān): Day, sky, or heaven.
Together, 星期 (xīngqī) forms the modern word for “week.” This term is linked to the ancient practice of naming the seven days after the seven classical “planets” (including the Sun and Moon). While the other days are now numbered (星期一, 星期二, etc.), Sunday retains a special name. Adding 天 (tiān), or “day/sky,” gives us 星期天, the most conversational term for the day of rest.
Cultural Context and Significance
The seven-day week is a relatively modern concept in China, adopted to align with international standards. Historically, China used a lunar calendar with different systems for marking time. Today, however, Sunday functions much like it does in the West: as a day of rest and leisure.
In the mid-1990s, China officially adopted the five-day work week, establishing the “双休 (shuāngxiū)” or “two-day weekend.” This solidified the role of Saturday and 星期天 as the primary time for family gatherings, shopping, errands, and recreation.
Unlike the Western concept of Sunday, which has deep religious (Sabbath) roots for many, 星期天 in China is overwhelmingly secular. For most Chinese people, it's not a day for worship but a practical day for unwinding, spending time with children and parents, and preparing for the week ahead. It's less about “Sunday best” and more about “Sunday casual.”
Practical Usage in Modern China
星期天 is the go-to term for “Sunday” in almost all informal and semi-formal situations.
Making Plans: It's the standard term used when arranging activities with friends, family, or colleagues.
Spoken vs. Written: While it's primarily a spoken term, it's also perfectly acceptable in informal writing like text messages, social media posts, and personal emails.
Formality: For highly formal, official, or written contexts like news broadcasts, legal documents, or public notices, you are more likely to see 星期日 (xīngqīrì). Another common alternative, especially in writing, is 周日 (zhōurì), which is slightly more formal than 星期天. However, in 90% of your daily interactions, 星期天 is the word you'll want to use.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
我们星期天去看电影，好吗？
Pinyin: Wǒmen xīngqītiān qù kàn diànyǐng, hǎo ma?
English: Let's go see a movie on Sunday, okay?
Analysis: A classic example of making a casual suggestion. 星期天 is the natural choice here.
Example 2:
你这个星期天有什么安排？
Pinyin: Nǐ zhège xīngqītiān yǒu shénme ānpái?
English: What are your plans this Sunday?
Analysis: “这个 (zhège)” means “this,” so “这个星期天” is the standard way to say “this coming Sunday.”
Example 3:
我上个星期天跟家人一起吃了饭。
Pinyin: Wǒ shàng ge xīngqītiān gēn jiārén yīqǐ chīle fàn.
English: I had a meal with my family last Sunday.
Analysis: “上个 (shàng ge)” means “last” or “previous.” This is the common structure for talking about the past week.
Example 4:
真希望每天都是星期天！
Pinyin: Zhēn xīwàng měitiān dōu shì xīngqītiān!
English: I really wish every day was Sunday!
Analysis: A common sentiment expressing the desire for rest and fun.
Example 5:
大多数商店星期天也正常营业。
Pinyin: Dàduōshù shāngdiàn xīngqītiān yě zhèngcháng yíngyè.
English: Most stores are also open for business as usual on Sundays.
Analysis: This sentence describes a general fact about Sundays in modern China.
Example 6:
星期天早上我喜欢睡个懒觉。
Pinyin: Xīngqītiān zǎoshang wǒ xǐhuān shuì ge lǎnjiào.
English: I like to sleep in on Sunday mornings.
Analysis: This connects the day with a common activity, showing its use in describing routines.
Example 7:
他星期天从不工作，这是他的原则。
Pinyin: Tā xīngqītiān cóngbù gōngzuò, zhè shì tā de yuánzé.
English: He never works on Sundays; this is his principle.
Analysis: Using the negative adverb “从不 (cóngbù)” to state a firm rule.
Example 8:
每个星期天下午，公园里都挤满了人。
Pinyin: Měi ge xīngqītiān xiàwǔ, gōngyuán lǐ dōu jǐ mǎnle rén.
English: Every Sunday afternoon, the park is packed with people.
Analysis: “每个 (měi ge)” means “every,” indicating a recurring event.
Example 9:
我们下个星期天搬家，你能来帮忙吗？
Pinyin: Wǒmen xià ge xīngqītiān bānjiā, nǐ néng lái bāngmáng ma?
English: We're moving next Sunday, can you come and help?
Analysis: “下个 (xià ge)” means “next,” used for planning future events.
Example 10:
如果星期天天气好，我们就去爬山。
Pinyin: Rúguǒ xīngqītiān tiānqì hǎo, wǒmen jiù qù páshān.
English: If the weather is good on Sunday, we'll go hiking.
Analysis: A conditional sentence using “如果…就…” (if…then…).
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The most common point of confusion for learners is the existence of three different words for “Sunday.”
星期天 (xīngqītiān): The default, colloquial choice. Use this in everyday conversation. Literally “sky day.”
星期日 (xīngqīrì): The formal, written choice. Use this when you want to sound official. Found on calendars, in news reports, and formal announcements. Literally “sun day.”
周日 (zhōurì): A common alternative, especially in writing. It's a middle ground, more formal than 星期天 but less stiff than 星期日. 周 (zhōu) is another word for “week.”
CRITICAL MISTAKE TO AVOID:
Never say “星期七 (xīngqīqī)” for Sunday. The days of the week are numbered from one to six:
The pattern breaks for Sunday. Day 7 is always 星期天 or 星期日. Saying “星期七” is a classic beginner mistake and will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker.
星期日 (xīngqīrì) - The more formal, written term for Sunday. A direct equivalent of “Sun-day.”
周日 (zhōurì) - Another common word for Sunday, often used in writing and slightly more formal than 星期天.
周末 (zhōumò) - Weekend. This term covers both Saturday and Sunday.
星期一 (xīngqīyī) - Monday. The first day of the working week in China. Understanding this helps you see the pattern for other weekdays.
礼拜天 (lǐbàitiān) - Another term for Sunday, literally “worship day.” It has Christian origins and is common in certain regions or among Chinese Christians.
工作日 (gōngzuòrì) - Workday or weekday. The antonym of weekend/day off.
休息 (xiūxi) - To rest. A verb closely associated with the activities of a 星期天.
双休 (shuāngxiū) - Two-day weekend (“double rest”). Refers to the modern work schedule of having both Saturday and Sunday off.
放假 (fàngjià) - To have a day off or be on holiday. You can say 星期天放假 (xīngqītiān fàngjià) - “to have Sunday off.”