jat1 dim2 zing3一點正一点正
Jyutpingjat1 dim2 zing3
Yaleyāt dím jing
Definition
One o'clock exactly.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Adding 正 after a time expression emphasizes that the time is precise and not a minute earlier or later. It functions similarly to the English word sharp. While it can be used for any hour, it is most frequently heard when coordinating meeting times or deadlines to avoid ambiguity.
Examples
We will wait at the entrance at exactly one o'clock.
Is the meeting starting at exactly one o'clock?
Related words
Common phrases
one o'clock sharp
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 一點鐘, which simply means one o'clock. Using 正 implies a strict, punctual requirement that is not present in the neutral term.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
