Tell the Time in Cantonese
Clock time in Cantonese runs on 點 (dim2, o'clock): 三點 is three o'clock and 三點半 half past three. Hongkongers also slice the hour into 字 (zi6) — the five-minute marks on a clock face — so 三點三 means 3:15. Learn the building blocks below, each with audio and Jyutping.
Make these words stick
Practice with spaced-repetition flashcards or follow our free structured Cantonese course.
Frequently asked questions
How do you ask what time it is in Cantonese?
而家幾多點呀? (ji4 gaa1 gei2 do1 dim2 aa3) — what time is it now? A shorter 幾點 (gei2 dim2) also works.
How do you say 3:00 and 3:30 in Cantonese?
三點 (saam1 dim2) is three o'clock — add 鐘 for 三點鐘 in full — and 三點半 (saam1 dim2 bun3) is half past three. Exact minutes use 分: 三點十分 (saam1 dim2 sap6 fan1) is 3:10.
What does 字 (zi6) mean when telling time?
One 字 is five minutes — a numeral on the clock face. 三點三 (saam1 dim2 saam1, "three o'clock three marks") is 3:15, which is also Hong Kong slang for afternoon-tea time.
How do you say a.m. and p.m. in Cantonese?
Put the part of day before the time: 上晝 (soeng6 zau3, morning), 下晝 (haa6 zau3, afternoon) or 夜晚 (je6 maan5, night) — for example 下晝三點, 3 p.m.