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March 24, 2026
分钟(分鐘)fēnzhōng(fen1zhong1)
分钟 (fēn zhōng) refers to a unit of time equivalent to one-sixtieth of an hour. It is commonly used in everyday conversations to specify time durations, such as discussing how long an event will take or how long until something happens.
Frequency#324DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, punctuality is highly valued, and being late even by a few minutes can be seen as disrespectful. Therefore, understanding and using '分钟' correctly is important in both social and business settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock where each minute is marked by a small '分' (fēn) symbolizing a part of the hour. The '钟' (zhōng) represents the bell that chimes every hour, helping you remember that '分钟' is all about counting those little moments in time.
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AI Study Notes for 分钟
Quick Contrast
秒 (miǎo) — use 分钟 for durations longer than one minute, while 秒 is specifically for seconds.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clock where each minute is marked by a small '分' (fēn) symbolizing a part of the hour. The '钟' (zhōng) represents the bell that chimes every hour, helping you remember that '分钟' is all about counting those little moments in time.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '分钟' with '小时' (xiǎoshí), which means hour. While '分钟' is used in both formal and informal contexts, ensure that when specifying time, you use the correct measure for clarity, like '三分钟' (sān fēn zhōng) for 'three minutes'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 1 word, '分钟' is foundational for discussing time. Students should focus on its pronunciation and use it in simple sentences, linking it with numbers to express various time intervals.
Cultural Note
In China, punctuality is highly valued, and being late even by a few minutes can be seen as disrespectful. Therefore, understanding and using '分钟' correctly is important in both social and business settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the correct measure when telling time, such as saying '我有三分' instead of '我有三分钟'. Always include '钟' to specify minutes appropriately.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 分钟
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Grammar Patterns of 分钟
分钟 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Cultural Notes for 分钟
🏮Cultural insight
In China, punctuality is highly valued, and being late even by a few minutes can be seen as disrespectful. Therefore, understanding and using '分钟' correctly is important in both social and business settings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 分钟
You can say '我等了十分钟' (Wǒ děngle shí fēnzhōng), which means 'I waited for ten minutes.'
Yes, '分钟' is used similarly to describe a specific duration of time.
While '分' can mean 'minute', it is more common to use '分钟' for clarity.
