How to Say ‘When did it start hurting?’ in Traditional Chinese
從什麼時候開始痛的？
cóng shén me shí hòu kāi shǐ tòng de
[cóng shénme shíhòu kāishǐ tòng de]
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: Clinic visits in Taiwan are often just a few minutes, and this is usually one of the doctor's first questions. Have a short time answer ready.
Phrase Breakdown
從什麼時候
cóng shén me shí hòu
since when
從 (cóng) means 'from'. 什麼時候 (shénme shíhou) means 'what time / when'. Together they ask about a starting point in time.
你從什麼時候學中文？
Since when have you been learning Chinese?
Words in this phrase
從
cóng
[cóng]
from
Indicating the point in space at which a journey, motion, or action starts.
我從家裡來。
I come from home.
什麼
shén me
[shénme]
what
Question word for 'what'.
你想買什麼？
What do you want to buy?
時候
shí hòu
[shíhòu]
time; moment
With 什麼 it asks 'when'.
你小時候住哪裡？
Where did you live when you were little?
開始痛的？
kāi shǐ tòng de
did it start hurting
開始 (kāishǐ) means 'to start'. 痛 (tòng) means 'to hurt'. The 的 (de) at the end stresses when it happened.
你的頭開始痛了嗎？
Has your head started to hurt?
Words in this phrase
開始
kāi shǐ
[kāishǐ]
to start; to begin
Verb meaning to begin an action or event.
會議九點開始。
The meeting starts at nine.
痛
tòng
[tòng]
painful; to hurt
Describes physical pain in a part of the body.
我的頭很痛。
My head hurts a lot.
的
de
[de]
(nominalizing particle)
At the end of 是…的, it turns a description into a noun-like phrase: 'a red one'.
這本書是新的。
This book is new.
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
“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real situations helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”
Laura H., 28, Photographer
“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
“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