How to Say “This evening” in Chinese
Time and dates · HSK 2
"This evening" in Chinese is 今天晚上 (jīn tiān wǎn shang). 今天晚上 means 'tonight' in the sense of this evening; it covers from after dinner (around 6–7pm) until bedtime. You'll also hear 今晚 as a shorter, slightly more literary version; both work in speech.
Primary translation
今天晚上
jīn tiān wǎn shang
When to use it
今天晚上 means 'tonight' in the sense of this evening; it covers from after dinner (around 6–7pm) until bedtime. You'll also hear 今晚 as a shorter, slightly more literary version; both work in speech. Note that 晚上 is toneless on 上 (wǎn shang, neutral tone); a common mistake learners make is saying wǎn shàng with a full fourth tone. For 'late at night' (after 10pm-ish), switch to 深夜 or 半夜.
Example sentences
今天晚上我们一起吃饭吧。
Jīn tiān wǎn shang wǒ men yī qǐ chī fàn ba.
Let's have dinner together this evening.
今晚有什么计划？
Jīn wǎn yǒu shén me jì huà?
Any plans for tonight?
今天晚上八点看电影怎么样？
Jīn tiān wǎn shang bā diǎn kàn diàn yǐng zěn me yàng?
How about a movie at 8pm tonight?