bun3 je6 saam1 gaang1半夜三更
Jyutpingbun3 je6 saam1 gaang1
Yalebun yeh sāam gāang
Definition
The middle of the night; very late at night or early hours of the morning.
colloquialtimedaily actions
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of annoyance or surprise, often implying that the time is inappropriately late for an activity. It is frequently used to complain about someone disturbing the peace or failing to maintain a normal schedule. Unlike a neutral term for midnight, this phrase emphasizes the depth and stillness of the night.
Examples
Why are you calling me in the middle of the night?
He always waits until the middle of the night before he is willing to sleep.
Related words
Common phrases
to return home in the middle of the night
to make noise in the middle of the night
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple time noun like midnight, but it functions more like an adverbial phrase describing when an action occurs. Avoid using it to refer to the literal clock time of 12:00 AM; it is meant to convey the feeling of being deep in the night.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
