分

• Pinyin: fēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 分 = 八 (split) + 刀 (knife) — to cut into parts, a portion or unit

Meaning

Minute (time); point; cent. A measure word for units of time, scores, and small currency.

Has three main uses: (1) minutes when telling time — 三点十分 (3:10); (2) points or marks in scores — 一百分 (100 points); (3) a fraction of a yuan (1/100). Also used as a verb meaning 'to divide' in other contexts.

Examples

1. 现在是八点十分。 It's now eight ten.
2. 我考了九十分。 I scored ninety points.
3. 请等我五分钟。 Please wait five minutes for me.

Usage Guide

Context: time, school, everyday

Tone: factual

Do Say

• 现在几点几分？(What time is it — hours and minutes?)
• 他这次考试得了九十五分。(He got ninety-five points on this exam.)

Don't Say

• 三个分钟。(Don't add 个 — say 三分钟, not 三个分钟)

Origin & History

The character 分 combines 八 (eight, meaning to split) with 刀 (knife) — to cut or divide something into parts, hence a division or portion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal