之际 zhījì during
during; at the time of
How to remember 之际: 之 of + 际 border = during.
Characters
How it is used
- A formal 'at the moment/juncture of' - attached after a noun or phrase: 新年之际 (xīnnián zhījì) on the occasion of the New Year, 危难之际 (wēinàn zhījì) at a moment of crisis.
- Written register, common in speeches and formal openings; the plain-speech equivalent is 的时候 (de shíhou, when).
- Marks a significant occasion, not just any point in time.