numeral HSK 1
twelve · 12
Meaning
十二 is the number twelve in Mandarin Chinese. It is formed by combining 十 (ten) and 二 (two), literally meaning 'ten-two.' This follows the standard Chinese counting system where numbers 11-19 are formed by adding 十 plus the ones digit.
Usage
Used in all contexts where the number twelve appears: counting, telling time (12 o'clock), dates, ages, quantities, and ordinal positions. When used for months, 十二月 means December. In time expressions, 十二点 means 12 o'clock. Native speakers use it naturally in both formal and informal contexts.
Examples
- 01我家有十二口人。.There are twelve people in my family.
- 02现在是十二点半。.It's now 12:30.
Characters
Common collocations
- 十二点12 o'clock
- 十二月December
- 十二个twelve (items)
- 十二岁twelve years old
Origin
Formed through the basic Chinese decimal counting system where compound numbers are created by stating the tens place followed by the ones place.