haa6 baan1 si4 gaan3下班時間下班时间
Jyutpinghaa6 baan1 si4 gaan3
Yalehah bāan sìh gaan
Definition
Knock-off time; the time when the work day ends.
colloquialworktime
How it's used
Refers specifically to the moment one is permitted to leave the workplace. While functionally similar to the Mandarin term 下班, Cantonese speakers often use the verb phrase 收工 to describe the act of finishing work, making this noun phrase slightly more formal or descriptive of the schedule itself.
Examples
It is knock-off time, pack up and leave quickly.
What time is your knock-off time usually?
Related words
Common phrases
past knock-off time
almost knock-off time
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 收工, which is a verb phrase meaning to finish work. Use 下班時間 when referring to the clock time, but use 收工 when talking about the action of leaving the office.
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.
