Mandarin · Chapter 9 · Lesson 12 · Grammar primer
Conjunctions: paired and single
虽然…但是, 因为…所以, 如果/要是…就, 一边…一边, …的时候, 也…也, 又…又, 先…然后/再. The paired structures that join Mandarin clauses.
The short version
的时候 (de shí hòu) goes at the end of its clause
English fronts 'when'; Mandarin parks 的时候 (de shí hòu) at the back of the clause it governs, then a comma, then the main clause. So 'when you come, phone me' is you-come-的时候 (de shí hòu), phone me. Same instinct as the paired conjunctions: mark both ends and let position do the work.
你来的时候, 给我打电话。 Nǐ lái de shí hou, gěi wǒ dǎ diàn huà.
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