maan5 gaan1晚間晚间
Jyutpingmaan5 gaan1
Yalemáahn gāan
Definition
Nighttime; during the night or after dark.
neutraltime
How it's used
Functions primarily as a formal or semi-formal time marker, appearing frequently in weather reports, news broadcasts, or official notices. In casual daily speech, people almost always prefer using 夜晚 or 夜晚頭 instead of 晚間. Using 晚間 in a very informal setting can make you sound like you are reading from a script or a public announcement.
Examples
The weather is very cold at night, remember to wear an extra layer.
What do you usually do at night?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 晚間 as a direct substitute for 夜晚 in casual conversation, as it carries a distinct formal register that can sound unnatural when talking to friends or family.
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.
