Learning how to say “hour” in Chinese is a key step in improving your language skills. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “hour” in Mandarin Chinese, while also providing helpful tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Hour” in Chinese
When speaking formally, Mandarin Chinese uses the term “小时” (xiǎoshí) to denote “hour”. Here are a few examples of how to use this term:
一小时 (yī xiǎoshí) – One hour
两小时 (liǎng xiǎoshí) – Two hours
三个半小时 (sān gè bàn xiǎoshí) – Three and a half hours
Remember, when using “小时” (xiǎoshí), it is crucial to note that the measure word “个” (gè) is often used in between the number and “小时” for counting hours.
Informal Ways to Say “Hour” in Chinese
In informal situations, native Chinese speakers might employ alternative expressions to refer to an “hour”. Here are a few common options:
1. 点钟 (diǎn zhōng)
“点钟” (diǎn zhōng) is used to express the concept of an exact hour on the clock. For example:
- 今天五点钟见面。 (Jīntiān wǔ diǎn zhōng jiànmiàn.) – Let’s meet at five o’clock today.
- 十二点钟要睡觉。 (Shí’èr diǎn zhōng yào shuìjiào.) – I need to go to bed at twelve o’clock.
2. 小时候 (xiǎo shíhou)
When referring to hours in the past, Chinese speakers might use the phrase “小时候” (xiǎo shíhou), which translates to “when I was young” or “in my childhood”. Here’s an example:
- 小时候我们常常在公园玩到天黑才回家。 (Xiǎo shíhou wǒmen chángcháng zài gōngyuán wán dào tiānhēi cái huíjiā.) – When we were young, we used to play in the park until it got dark before returning home.
Additional Tips for Conversations about Time
Now that you are familiar with various ways to express “hour” in Chinese, here are a few additional tips to help you navigate conversations about time:
1. Adding 分钟 (fēn zhōng) for Minutes
In Mandarin Chinese, when talking about specific minutes, you can add “分钟” (fēn zhōng) after the number of minutes. For example:
- 十五分钟 (shíwǔ fēn zhōng) – Fifteen minutes
- 三十分钟 (sānshí fēn zhōng) – Thirty minutes
2. Using “半” (bàn) for Half an Hour
When referring specifically to half an hour, the word “半” (bàn) is often added right after the hour. For example:
- 六点半 (liù diǎn bàn) – Six-thirty (half past six)
- 九点半 (jiǔ diǎn bàn) – Nine-thirty (half past nine)
3. Differentiating Day and Night
In Chinese, the word “小时” (xiǎoshí) can also refer to different periods of the day:
- 白天 (báitiān) – daytime
- 晚上 (wǎnshàng) – evening
- 凌晨 (língchén) – early morning (before dawn)
When using “小时” within these contexts, it helps to clarify the specific period of the day.
Conclusion
Congratulations on reaching the end of our guide! You should now feel more confident in expressing “hour” in Mandarin Chinese, both formally and informally. Remember to practice using phrases like “小时” (xiǎoshí), “点钟” (diǎn zhōng), and “小时候” (xiǎo shíhou) in various contexts to reinforce your understanding. Keep exploring the Chinese language, and soon you will master many more useful expressions!
