Keep time Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To follow or maintain a steady rhythm, especially in music; also, to accurately measure or show the passage of time, such as what a clock does.

Usage & Nuances

Often used about musicians or dancers staying in rhythm ('can you keep time?'); when talking about clocks or watches, means they run accurately. It can also figuratively refer to being organized or punctual, but this is less common.

• Spanish: marcar el ritmo - llevar el tiempo
• Portuguese (BR): manter o ritmo - marcar o tempo
• Portuguese (PT): manter o ritmo - marcar o tempo
• Chinese (Simplified): 保持节奏 - 掌握时间
• Chinese (Traditional): 保持節奏 - 掌握時間
• Hindi: ताल बनाए रखना - समय का ध्यान रखना
• Arabic: يحافظ على الإيقاع - يضبط الوقت
• Bengali: ঠিক তাল রাখা - সঠিক সময় দেখানো (ঘড়ি)
• Russian: держать ритм - точно идти (о часах)
• Japanese: 拍子をとる - 時間を正確に刻む（時計）
• Vietnamese: giữ nhịp - chạy đúng giờ (đồng hồ)
• Korean: 박자를 맞추다 - 시간을 정확히 맞추다 (시계)
• Turkish: ritmi tutmak - saati doğru göstermek (saat)
• Urdu: ردھم برقرار رکھنا - وقت صحیح دکھانا (گھڑی)
• Indonesian: giữ nhịp - chạy đúng giờ (đồng hồ)

Example Sentences

He can keep time when playing the drums.

basic

This old clock doesn't keep time anymore.

basic

Try to keep time with the music.

basic

Everyone was clapping but only a few could really keep time.

natural

I can never keep time when I dance, no matter how hard I try.

natural

That watch looks nice, but does it actually keep time?

natural