In the English language, we often express time in a straightforward manner using numbers and the word “o’clock.” However, when it comes to translating Chinese time expressions, things can get a bit more complex. The Chinese time system has its unique way of denoting the hours of the day, and this guide will help you understand the various English expressions that correspond to the Chinese time system.
Traditional Chinese Time System
The traditional Chinese time system divides the day into 12 periods, each corresponding to two hours. These periods are based on the ancient Chinese concept of the 12 Earthly Branches and the 24 Solar Terms. The 12 periods are as follows:
- 子时 (Zǐ shí): 11 PM - 1 AM
- 丑时 (Chǒu shí): 1 AM - 3 AM
- 寅时 (Yín shí): 3 AM - 5 AM
- 卯时 (Mǎo shí): 5 AM - 7 AM
- 辰时 (Chén shí): 7 AM - 9 AM
- 巳时 (Sì shí): 9 AM - 11 AM
- 午时 (Wǔ shí): 11 AM - 1 PM
- 未时 (Wèi shí): 1 PM - 3 PM
- 申时 (Shēn shí): 3 PM - 5 PM
- 酉时 (Yǒu shí): 5 PM - 7 PM
- 戌时 (Xū shí): 7 PM - 9 PM
- 亥时 (Hài shí): 9 PM - 11 PM
English Expressions for Chinese Time System
When translating Chinese time into English, you can use the following expressions:
- 子时: 11 PM - 1 AM (midnight)
- 丑时: 1 AM - 3 AM
- 寅时: 3 AM - 5 AM
- 卯时: 5 AM - 7 AM
- 辰时: 7 AM - 9 AM
- 巳时: 9 AM - 11 AM
- 午时: 11 AM - 1 PM (noon)
- 未时: 1 PM - 3 PM
- 申时: 3 PM - 5 PM
- 酉时: 5 PM - 7 PM
- 戌时: 7 PM - 9 PM
- 亥时: 9 PM - 11 PM
Examples
Here are some examples of how to translate specific times from the Chinese time system into English:
- 午时: “It’s noon.” or “It’s 11 AM - 1 PM.”
- 申时: “It’s 3 PM - 5 PM.” or “It’s in the afternoon.”
- 子时: “It’s midnight.” or “It’s 11 PM - 1 AM.”
Conclusion
Understanding the Chinese time system and its corresponding English expressions can be quite useful, especially when dealing with time-sensitive matters or when communicating with individuals who are more familiar with the traditional Chinese time system. By familiarizing yourself with these expressions, you’ll be better equipped to navigate time-related conversations and situations with ease.