倒计时 dàojìshí to count down
to count down; countdown
How to remember 倒计时: 倒 collapse + 计 calculate + 时 time = to count down.
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How it is used
- A countdown (of remaining time) - 进入倒计时 (jìnrù dàojìshí) to enter the final countdown; 倒计时三天 (three-day countdown).
- The 倒 (dào, reverse) + 计时 (timing) = timing backwards toward zero, for launches, events, deadlines.
- Common figuratively for anything approaching a deadline (高考倒计时, countdown to the college exam).