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Definition
Dawn; early morning.
colloquialtime
How it's used
This term specifically refers to the very early hours of the morning, often implying a time before most people are awake. It carries a slightly informal tone and is frequently used to emphasize that an action is happening unusually early. It is distinct from the more neutral term 朝早, which simply means morning.
Examples
He gets up at five in the morning to go running.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general morning terms, but it specifically emphasizes the earliness of the hour. Using it to describe any time after sunrise can sound unnatural or overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
