Knowing how to say the days of the week in different languages can be incredibly useful, whether you’re traveling to China or simply expanding your cultural knowledge. In this guide, we will explore how to say “Monday” in Chinese, focusing on both formal and informal ways of expression. While Chinese spoken in mainland China will be our main focus, we will also briefly cover regional variations. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating language of Chinese!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or official settings, it’s important to use formal language. Here are a few formal ways to say “Monday” in Chinese:
i. 星期一 (xīngqī yī)
The most common and widely used formal term for Monday in Chinese is “星期一” (xīngqī yī). This term, literally translating to “weekday one,” is the equivalently formal phrase used across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. It’s important to note that in Chinese, the days of the week are named after numbers.
Example: 我们的会议将在星期一举行。(Wǒmen de huìyì jiāng zài xīngqī yī jǔxíng.)
(Our meeting will take place on Monday.)
ii. 礼拜一 (lǐbài yī)
Another formal term for Monday in Chinese is “礼拜一” (lǐbài yī). This term, literally translating to “worship one,” is commonly used in mainland China and Hong Kong, but not as frequently in Taiwan and Macau.
Example: 我的课程每个礼拜一都要交报告。(Wǒ de kèchéng měi gè lǐbài yī dōu yào jiāo bàogào.)
(I have to submit reports every Monday for my course.)
2. Informal Ways
For casual conversations and informal settings, you can use the following terms to say “Monday” in Chinese:
i. 周一 (zhōu yī)
The most common informal term for Monday in Chinese is “周一” (zhōu yī). It is widely used across mainland China, as well as in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. This term is more often utilized in daily conversations and casual settings.
Example: 明天是周一，你有什么计划吗？(Míngtiān shì zhōu yī, nǐ yǒu shénme jìhuà ma?)
(Tomorrow is Monday, do you have any plans?)
ii. 礼拜一 (lǐbài yī)
Yes, you read that right! “礼拜一” (lǐbài yī), which we mentioned earlier as a formal term, is also widely acceptable in informal settings. Chinese speakers often use the same phrase casually without any issues.
Example: 昨天晚上，我在礼拜一约了朋友去看电影。(Zuótiān wǎnshàng, wǒ zài lǐbài yī yuē le péngyǒu qù kàn diànyǐng.)
(Last night, I made plans with friends to watch a movie on Monday.)
3. Regional Variations
While the main terms mentioned above are widely understood across various Chinese-speaking regions, there are a few regional variations worth mentioning:
i. 星期一 (xīngqī yī) vs. 礼拜一 (lǐbài yī)
Although “星期一” (xīngqī yī) is commonly used across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, it’s worth noting that in Taiwan, the term “星期一” (xīngqī yī) is more frequently used compared to “礼拜一” (lǐbài yī). The opposite can be said for mainland China, where “礼拜一” (lǐbài yī) is used more often.
ii. Local Dialects
In addition to Mandarin, which is the official language in mainland China and Taiwan, there are numerous Chinese dialects spoken within the country. These local dialects often have their own unique terms for days of the week. For instance:
- Shanghainese (上海话): 星期一 (sin qi yit)
- Cantonese (广东话): 星期一 (sing kei yat)
- Taiwanese (台湾话): 週一 (jiu tsi̍t)
These variations are specific to certain regions and not commonly used in daily conversations, except within their respective communities.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “Monday” in Chinese provides you with a valuable linguistic tool for your journey into the Chinese language and culture. Both formal and informal expressions have been covered, ensuring you are well-equipped for various situations. Remember, terms like “星期一” (xīngqī yī), “礼拜一” (lǐbài yī), and “周一” (zhōu yī) will enable you to effortlessly communicate about this essential day of the week. Whether you’re in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, being familiar with these phrases will allow you to interact seamlessly with locals and establish meaningful connections.
