点 (diǎn) — o'clock; a bit; point
HSK 1 | noun/measure word | used to tell clock time; also means 'a little' or 'dot/point'
点 (diǎn)
点 is essential for telling time in Chinese. After a number it means "o'clock." It also appears in 一点 (yīdiǎn, "a little") and as a standalone noun meaning "point" or "dot."
Meanings
- [noun/measure word] O'clock (used after a number to state the hour).
- [noun] A dot, a point.
- [adverb] A little, a bit (in 一点 or 有点).
Example Sentences
现在三点了。 Xiànzài sān diǎn le. It is three o'clock now.
我们八点出发。 Wǒmen bā diǎn chūfā. We set off at eight o'clock.
这个菜有点辣。 Zhège cài yǒudiǎn là. This dish is a little spicy.
请你快一点！ Qǐng nǐ kuài yīdiǎn! Please be a little faster!
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 几点 | what time (o'clock) |
| 一点 | a little |
| 有点 | a bit, somewhat |
| 差一点 | almost, nearly |
| 点钟 | o'clock (formal) |
| 两点半 | half past two |
Memory Hook
点 looks like a dot on a clock face. When you point to a dot on the clock, you are reading the hour.