下午
How to Say
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How to Write
Meaning: afternoon
How to Understand
下午
下午 refers to the period of the day after noon, typically from around 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to denote time, and it differs from 'midday' or 'noon' by being later in the day.
The character 下 (xià) means 'down' or 'below,' while 午 (wǔ) is an ancient Chinese term for the 'noon hour' in the traditional twelve-hour system. Together, 下午 literally means 'the hour below noon,' indicating the time after midday.
Afternoon is a common time for meetings, meals, and rest in many cultures. In China, it's also a popular time for tea breaks or leisure activities. Understanding 下午 helps learners grasp daily schedules and time-related expressions in Mandarin.
Example Sentences
下午我通常会休息一下。
I usually take a break in the afternoon.
我们下午三点开会。
We have a meeting at three o'clock in the afternoon.