jan4寅
Jyutpingjan4
Yaleyàhn
Definition
The third of the twelve Earthly Branches, or the third Chinese hour from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- the third of the twelve Earthly Branches
- the third Chinese double-hour, from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.
neutraltime
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in the context of traditional Chinese timekeeping or astrology. You will rarely hear it in casual conversation unless discussing fortune telling or historical dramas. It functions as a specific marker for a two hour window rather than a general time reference.
Examples
It is currently the hour of Yin, are you still not sleeping?
The hour of Yin is from 3 am to 5 am.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general word for time, 時間, as it is a highly specialized technical term for a specific period of the day.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
