Difference between “当…时”, “…的时候”, and “当…的时候”?

Question

What is the difference between :

“当…时”

and

“…的时候”

and

“当…的时候”

when referring to "when" in Chinese?

I have tried to look for an answer but I couldn't find a clear one. When should you use each option?

Answer 1

"当(~~~)时” is the shortened form of “当(~~~)的时候"

"(~~~)时” is the shortened form of “(~~~)的时候"

1. “当(~~~)时” = “当(~~~)的时候” = "At the time when (~~~)"

   • 当 = at/ during

   • 的时候 = the time when/ of

Example:

"当(没有其他选择)时" = "当(没有其他选择)的时候" = "At the time when (there's no other choice)"

you can replace '当' with '在' and write "在(没有其他选择)时"

2. "(~~~)时” = "(~~~)的时候” = "when(~~~)"

Example:

"(没有其他选择)时" = "(没有其他选择)的时候" = "when (there is no other choice)"

Answer 2

your understanding is okay.

Abovementioned example is right.

“没有什么选择时，……” is the common sense in Chinese。