中午
zhōng wǔ HSK 1

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

这是中午。
Zhè shì zhōngwǔ.
This is noon.
中午很好。
Zhōngwǔ hěn hǎo.
Noon is very good.
我在中午吃饭。
Wǒ zài zhōngwǔ chīfàn.
I eat at noon.
我们中午吃午饭。
Wǒmen zhōngwǔ chī wǔfàn.
We eat lunch at midday.
中午太阳很明亮。
Zhōngwǔ tàiyáng hěn míngliàng.
The sun is very bright at noon.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 中 (zhōng) means 'middle' and 午 (wǔ) means 'noon' or the 7th earthly branch (associated with 11am-1pm). So, 中午 literally means 'middle of the noon period'.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in register, used in both formal and informal contexts, and common in both spoken and written Chinese. It is frequently used to specify time for daily activities like meals, meetings, or breaks.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a time noun in adverbial positions, e.g., '中午 + Verb' (中午吃饭). Can be modified, e.g., '明天中午' (tomorrow noon).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 中午 often emphasizes the main meal of the day (午饭), and many businesses or schools have a midday break (午休), reflecting the importance of rest during this time.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 正午 (zhèngwǔ), which more strictly means 'exactly 12 noon', while 中午 is broader. Differs from 下午 (xiàwǔ, afternoon) which follows noon, and 上午 (shàngwǔ, morning) which precedes it.

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