How to Tell Time in Mandarin: A Guide for English Speakers

Understanding the Basics of Time in Mandarin

In Mandarin Chinese, telling time is straightforward and closely linked to the natural counting system. Understanding numbers in Mandarin is essential before you can effectively tell time.

Numbers in Mandarin: Essential Vocabulary

Key Time Expressions

Telling the Hour in Mandarin

To express the hour, use the number followed by 点 (diǎn). For example, to say "three o'clock," you would say 三点 (sān diǎn).

Expressing Minutes

Minutes are expressed after the hour, using the number followed by 分 (fēn). So, "3:15" becomes 三点十五分 (sān diǎn shíwǔ fēn).

Putting It All Together: Full Time Expressions

When telling the full time, combine hours and minutes. For "8:30," say 八点半 (bā diǎn bàn), with "半" (bàn) meaning half.

Daily Time Conversations