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Essential Grammar Patterns

Master the five core grammar patterns used in this lesson. Understanding these patterns will help you express time, ask about duration, distinguish between similar words, and construct correct sentences about work and schedules.

5 Grammar PatternsTime ExpressionsWord Distinctions
Time Expression: 几点 (jǐ diǎn) - What time?
To ask or tell the time of day
几 (jǐ) vs. 多少 (duōshao) - How many vs. How much
To distinguish between asking for countable and uncountable quantities
Goodbye Expressions: 再见 (zàijiàn) vs. 明天见 (míngtiān jiàn) vs. 回见 (huíjiàn)
To distinguish between different ways of saying goodbye
打工 (dǎgōng) vs. 工作 (gōngzuò) - Part-time work vs. Work/Job
To distinguish between temporary/part-time work and regular employment
Duration Expression: 就 + Time + 小时 (xiǎoshí) - Just/only + duration
To express a short or limited duration of time
Time Expression: 几点 (jǐ diǎn) - What time?
To ask or tell the time of day

Explanation

几点 literally means 'how many o'clock'. It is used to ask what time it is or to express the time. The format is: 数字 + 点 + 分钟. For example: 6点 (6 o'clock), 6点半 (6:30), 6点45分 (6:45).

Examples

Example 1

现在几点？

Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?

What time is it now?

Breakdown: 现在 (now) + 几点 (what time)
Example 2

6点了。

Liù diǎn le.

It's 6 o'clock.

Breakdown: 6点 (6 o'clock) + 了 (particle indicating completion)
Example 3

6点半到8点半。

Liù diǎn bàn dào bā diǎn bàn.

From 6:30 to 8:30.

Breakdown: 6点半 (6:30) + 到 (to) + 8点半 (8:30)
Grammar Learning Tips
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Study One Pattern at a Time

Focus on understanding each pattern thoroughly before moving to the next.

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Practice Creating Sentences

Try to create your own sentences using each pattern to reinforce understanding.

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Speak Out Loud

Pronounce the examples aloud to internalize the patterns and improve pronunciation.