noun HSK 1
Traditional 分鐘
minute (unit of time)
Meaning
分钟 is the standard Mandarin word for 'minute' as a unit of time. It literally combines 分 (to divide) and 钟 (clock), meaning a division of the clock or hour. It is one of the most fundamental time words in Chinese and is used in everyday conversation whenever discussing duration or specific times.
Usage
Native speakers use 分钟 constantly when telling time, describing durations, or scheduling. It's often shortened to just 分 in casual speech (e.g., 五分 instead of 五分钟 for 'five minutes'). When telling clock time, the full form 分钟 is less common than just 分.
Examples
- 01我五分钟后到。.I'll arrive in five minutes.
- 02这部电影有九十分钟长。.This movie is ninety minutes long.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个分钟
Common collocations
- 几分钟a few minutes, how many minutes
- 十分钟ten minutes
- 分钟之内within minutes
- 每分钟every minute, per minute
Origin
The word combines 分 (division/part) with 钟 (clock), literally meaning 'a division of the clock.' This reflects how minutes are subdivisions of an hour on a clock face.