Time

Question 1

time

Answer 1

shí jiān

Question 2

clock (on wall for example)

Answer 2

zhōngbiǎo

Question 3

o’clock (used like “hour”)

Answer 3

diǎn

Question 4

minute

Answer 4

fēn (sounds like “fun”)

Question 5

second

Answer 5

miǎo

Question 6

quarter

Answer 6

kè

Question 7

one quarter (15 mins)

Answer 7

yī kè

Question 8

three quarters (45 mins)

Answer 8

sān kè

Question 9

half (30 mins)

Answer 9

bàn

Question 10

for time: early morning (6AM to 8AM)

Answer 10

zāoshang

Question 11

for time: morning (8AM to 12PM)

Answer 11

shàng wǔ

Story: Shang recently got engaged and she had a wedding dress appointment today at one of the most elegant wedding dress stores. From a wealthy family, her maid came to her bedroom to remind her of her appointment at 10am. At 8am her told her, “SHANG, YOU have your wedding dress appointment today at 10am.” Shang thanked her since she could be quite forgetful and had asked her maid to remind her.

Question 12

for time: noon (12pm)

Answer 12

zhōng wǔ

Story: Zong was preparing his engagement with his girlfriend so he asked one of her best friends about which ring she might like, but time passed faster than expected when sharing their thoughts. The best friend said, “ZONG, YOU forgot to meet up with your girlfriend this afternoon? Oh no, call you her soon!!” Zong quickly called her to apologize.

Question 13

for time: afternoon (12PM to 6PM)

Answer 13

xià wǔ

Story: A British mom came to her daughter as she watched her drink tea. In a confused manner she asked her mixed Chinese-British daughter, “XIA, are YOU drinking tea in the late afternoon?”. Xia replied that yes because she missed it this morning before doing an interview for her new album.

Question 14

for time: evening (6PM to 12AM)

Answer 14

wǎnshàng

Question 15

good morning

Answer 15

zǎoshang hǎo

Question 16

good afternoon

Answer 16

xiàwǔ hǎo

Question 17

good evening

Answer 17

wǎnshàng hǎo

Question 18

good night

Answer 18

wǎn’ān

Question 19

yesterday

Answer 19

zuótiān

Question 20

today

Answer 20

jīntiān

Question 21

tomorrow

Answer 21

míngtiān

Story: Julia and her friend, Ming, were planning to go play golf tomorrow. While calling him she asked, “MING, is meeting at TEN tomorrow okay?” He replied, “Yes! Can’t wait!”

Question 22

everyday

Answer 22

měi tiān

Question 23

next year

Answer 23

míng nián

明 (míng) - “Next” or “bright” (in this context, it means “next”)
年 (nián) - “Year”

Question 24

this year

Answer 24

jīn nián

今 (jīn) - “This” or “current”
年 (nián) - “Year”

Question 25

to want something/ to need/ to be going to (future action or intention)/ should

Answer 25

yào

1. To Want: It is used to express a desire or wish for something.

Example: 我要一杯咖啡。(Wǒ yào yī bēi kāfēi.) - “I want a cup of coffee.”

2. To Need: It can also indicate necessity or requirement.

Example: 我们要更多的时间。(Wǒmen yào gèng duō de shíjiān.) - “We need more time.”

3. To Be Going To/To Intend To: It can be used to indicate a future action or intention, similar to “going to” or “will” in English.

Example: 我要去上学了。(Wǒ yào qù shàngxué le.) - “I am going to school now.”

4. Should/Ought To: In some contexts, it can also imply a recommendation or obligation.

Example: 你要早点休息。(Nǐ yào zǎodiǎn xiūxi.) - “You should rest earlier.”

Question 26

right now

Answer 26

xiànzài

ex: (Wǒ xiànzài zài gōngzuò.) - “I am working right now”

“zài” - indicating that the action is happening right now. Similar to “-ing” in English - I am doing work right now.

Question 27

what time

Answer 27

jǐ diǎn

几 (jǐ) - “How many”
点 (diǎn) - “O’clock” or “hour” (refers to time)

ex:
现在几点？(Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?) - “What time is it now?”
你几点上班？(Nǐ jǐ diǎn shàngbān?) - “What time do you go to work?”

Question 28

just now/ a moment ago

Answer 28

gāngcái

“刚” (gāng) - “Just” or “only.”
“才” (cái) - “Now” or “just now.”