zung1 sou3鐘數钟数
Jyutpingzung1 sou3
Yalejūng sou
Definition
The time of day as shown on a clock or watch.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Refers specifically to the numerical time shown on a clock or watch rather than the abstract concept of time. It is often used when asking for a precise hour or minute. While common in casual speech, younger generations increasingly prefer using 點鐘 or just 點 to ask for the time.
Examples
We have agreed on a time, don't be late.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean duration or length of time, as that is usually expressed by 鐘頭 or 時間. Using it to ask how long something takes will sound unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
