時鐘 / 时钟
shízhōng
The English word "clock" can be translated into several Chinese forms, such as 時鐘 / 时钟 (shízhōng) in Dungan. If unsure, use 時鐘 / 时钟. Wiktionary also lists 鐘錶 / 钟表 (zhōngbiǎo).
Meaning: instrument to measure or keep track of time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 時鐘 / 时钟 | shízhōng | |
| 鐘錶 / 钟表 | zhōngbiǎo | |
| 時鐘 / 时钟 | sî-cheng | Hokkien |
| 鐘 / 钟 | cheng | Hokkien |
The term 時鐘 / 时钟 is used to denote a device that measures time, often used in more formal or technical contexts than the single character 鐘. In informal situations, 时钟 can be used interchangeably to refer to both analog and digital clocks.
Which one should you use?
While 鐘 refers to a clock, the compound term 鐘錶 / 钟表 is used to refer to timekeeping instruments in a more general or formal sense, encompassing both clocks and watches.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form җун is used in Dungan, and the forms 時鐘 / 时钟 and 鐘 / 钟 are used in Hokkien.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation for 時鐘 / 时钟 is shízhōng.
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, giving a clock as a gift is often avoided because the phrase 'giving a clock' 送鐘 sounds exactly like a phrase meaning 'attending a funeral'.
- The Dungan word җун is a fascinating linguistic relic because it uses a Cyrillic-based script to represent a language closely related to Mandarin.
- The character 鐘 originally referred to a large bronze bell used in ancient rituals rather than a timekeeping device.
Examples in context
- 请问，现在几点钟？(Qǐngwèn, xiànzài jǐ diǎn zhōng?)Excuse me, what time is it now?
- 你的表已经停了。(Nǐ de biǎo yǐjīng tíngle.)Your clock/watch has stopped.
- 我需要一个新的时钟。(Wǒ xūyào yīgè xīn de shízhōng.)I need a new clock.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clock” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 鐘, CC BY-SA 4.0.
