jat1 siu2 si4一小時一小时
Jyutpingjat1 siu2 si4
Yaleyāt síu sìh
Definition
One hour.
neutraltime
How it's used
While 一小時 is perfectly correct, Cantonese speakers frequently use 一個鐘 in casual conversation. Using 一小時 often sounds slightly more formal or precise, such as when discussing schedules or professional timeframes. You will hear it more often in news broadcasts or formal announcements than in casual chats with friends.
Examples
I have waited for one hour and still haven't seen him show up.
How long does it take to get to the airport by bus? About one hour.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 一個小時, but the correct colloquial form is 一個鐘. If you want to use the formal term, stick to 一小時 without the classifier 個.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
