中午
zhōngwǔ
Noon
中午 (zhōngwǔ) refers to noon or midday, typically the time around 12 PM. It is commonly used when discussing plans or activities that occur during the middle of the day.
What does 中午 (zhōngwǔ) mean?
中午 (zhōngwǔ) means “noon” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “middle noon.”
When to use it
Neutral and common. It's the standard term for midday. For 'morning', use 早上 (zǎoshang); for 'afternoon', use 下午 (xiàwǔ).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “JONG-woo.” The first syllable has a high-level tone, and the second has a third tone.
Other ways to say it
- 上午shàngwǔmorning
- 下午xiàwǔafternoon
- 午饭wǔfànlunch
Examples
我们中午见面吧。
wǒmen zhōngwǔ jiànmiàn ba.
Let's meet at noon.
他中午要去银行。
tā zhōngwǔ yào qù yínháng.
He needs to go to the bank at noon.
你中午吃什么？
nǐ zhōngwǔ chī shénme?
What are you eating for lunch?
Pro tip: While 早上好 (zǎoshang hǎo) and 下午好 (xiàwǔ hǎo) are common greetings, 中午好 (zhōngwǔ hǎo) is less frequently used as a direct greeting, though it is understood.
Related phrases
早上 · Morning上午 · A.m. or before noon下午 · Afternoon
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