点

• Pinyin: diǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 点 = simplified from 點; originally 黑 (black) + 占 (phonetic) — a dot or mark

Meaning

O'clock; a little bit; to order; dot. Used for telling time, expressing small amounts, and ordering food.

An extremely versatile word. As a measure word for time, 两点 means two o'clock. As a noun, it means a dot or point (优点 strong point). Combined with 一, 一点 or 一点儿 means a little bit. As a verb, 点菜 means to order food, and 点头 means to nod. The time-telling and a little uses are among the first things Chinese learners encounter.

Examples

1. 现在是三点半。 It is half past three now.
2. 我有一点儿累了。 I am a little bit tired.
3. 你想点什么菜？ What dishes would you like to order?

Usage Guide

Context: time, everyday, food

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们五点见面吧。(Let's meet at five o'clock.)
• 请帮我们点几个菜。(Please help us order a few dishes.)

Don't Say

• 说'三个点'来表示三点钟。(Don't say 三个点 for three o'clock — say 三点; 点 for time does not need a separate measure word)

Origin & History

Simplified from the traditional 點, which combined 黑 (black) and 占 (to divine or occupy). Originally referred to a small black dot or mark.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal