小时 — meaning in English: hour

xiǎoshí · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for hour

麻烦

máfan

作物

zuòwù

沙漠

shāmò

小时

xiǎoshí

这个星球

zhège xīngqiú

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 小时 (xiǎoshí) during everyday conversations, particularly when discussing time schedules, appointments, or duration of activities. For instance, a student might say, '我有两个小时的课' (Wǒ yǒu liǎng gè xiǎoshí de kè) meaning 'I have two hours of class.'

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 小时 (xiǎoshí) is 时 (shí), which simply means 'time' in a more general sense. While 小时 specifically refers to the unit of one hour, 时 can be used in various contexts to refer to time more broadly, making 小时 the preferred choice for discussing precise durations.

Culture

The term 小时 (xiǎoshí) literally translates to 'small time,' which reflects the Chinese perspective of viewing time in smaller, more manageable segments. Interestingly, traditional Chinese culture has long been centered around timekeeping, with the development of various calendars and time-measuring devices, underscoring the importance of time in daily life.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 小时 in a sentence?

You can use 小时 in a sentence to indicate a specific duration, such as '这部电影有两个小时' (Zhè bù diànyǐng yǒu liǎng gè xiǎoshí), meaning 'This movie is two hours long.'

Q.What is the plural of 小时?

In Mandarin, 小时 does not change form for pluralization. You simply add a number before it, like 一小时 (yī xiǎoshí for one hour) or 三小时 (sān xiǎoshí for three hours).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 小时?

A common mistake learners make is using the word without a number. Always quantify 小时 with a numeral to indicate how many hours you're referring to; otherwise, it sounds incomplete.

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