Learn how to express time in Chinese using 点 (diǎn), 分 (fēn), and 秒 (miǎo), and master the rules for proper time pronunciation
Time Measurement Units in Chinese
Chinese uses specific units for measuring time, similar to English. The three basic units are used for hours, minutes, and seconds. Understanding these units is essential for telling time correctly in Chinese.
点 (diǎn)
Measures hours (equivalent to “o’clock”)
Comparison with English Time Units
- Hour / o’clock
- Minute
- Second
- “Half past” “Quarter to”
- 点 (diǎn) – hour
- 分 (fēn) – minute
- 秒 (miǎo) – second
- Always numeric: 7:30, 8:45
Chinese time telling is more straightforward than English – it always follows the “hour + minute” numeric format without special terms like “half past” or “quarter to.”
1 Basic Time Expression Structure
The standard structure for telling time in Chinese is: (现在) + Number + 点 + Number + (分). 现在 (xiànzài – now) is optional and often omitted when the context is clear. 分 (fēn) is also frequently omitted in everyday speech.
Basic Time Expression Examples
When to Include or Omit 分 (fēn)
The word 分 (fēn – minute) is often omitted in everyday spoken Chinese, especially in informal situations. Here’s when to include or omit it:
Both “七点二十” (qī diǎn èrshí) and “七点二十分” (qī diǎn èrshí fēn) mean “7:20” and are correct. The first is more common in daily speech.
Pronunciation of Time Numbers
When telling time, Chinese uses the standard number system. Pay attention to these pronunciation points:
2 The 零 (líng) Rule for Minutes
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3 Asking “What Time Is It?”
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Practice Exercises
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