How to Say ‘When did you hand in your documents?’ in Simplified Chinese
您是什么时候交的材料？
nín shì shén me shí hòu jiāo de cái liào
[neen shì shénme shíhou jiāo de cáiliào]
💬 Usage Tip: Wrap a detail of a past action in 是…的 to ask or tell when, where or how it happened: 您是什么时候来的 "when did you come?". Here 的 can sit before the object, giving 交的材料.
Phrase Breakdown
您是什么时候
nín shì shén me shí hòu
when did you
This opens the 是…的 pattern, which asks about the time of a past action. 是 (shì) comes right before the time question 什么时候 (shénme shíhou).
你是什么时候来的？
When did you come?
Words in this phrase
您
nín
[neen]
you (polite)
A respectful form of “you,” used when speaking politely to someone, such as a recruiter or company representative.
很高兴认识您，希望向您多学习。
It’s a pleasure to meet you; I hope to learn more from you.
是
shì
[shì]
(emphasis marker in 是…的)
Used with 的 to emphasize when, where or how a past action happened.
我是昨天来的。
It was yesterday that I came.
什么
shén me
[shénme]
what
Question word asking about things.
你想吃什么？
What do you want to eat?
时候
shí hòu
[shíhou]
time; moment (when)
Used after a phrase to mean 'when ...'.
吃饭的时候别看手机。
Don't look at your phone while eating.
交的材料？
jiāo de cái liào
submit the documents?
This closes the pattern with the verb 交 (jiāo, 'submit'), then 的, then 材料 (cáiliào, 'documents').
他是上午交的材料。
He submitted the documents in the morning.
Words in this phrase
交
jiāo
[jiāo]
to hand in; to submit
A verb for handing something over, like homework, a report, or fees.
明天要交作业。
The homework is due tomorrow.
的
de
[de]
(past emphasis particle in 是…的)
Closes the 是…的 pattern, stressing details of a completed action.
他是坐飞机来的。
He came by plane.
材料
cái liào
[cáiliào]
materials; documents
Papers or documents submitted for an application.
请把材料交给我。
Please hand the documents to me.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s situation-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”
Ryan M., 36, Consultant
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager