早上

• Pinyin: zǎo shang
• Hanzi breakdown: 早 = morning, early; 上 = an indicator pointing upward — the upper/early part of the day

Meaning

Morning; in the morning. Refers to the early part of the day, typically before noon.

A common time noun covering roughly 6am to 10am. Broader than 上午 (which often means the formal morning period until noon) and narrower than 早晨 (which can feel slightly more literary). Frequently used with 好 to form the greeting 早上好 (good morning).

Examples

1. 早上好！ Good morning!
2. 我早上七点起床。 I get up at seven in the morning.
3. 早上的空气很新鲜。 The morning air is very fresh.

Usage Guide

Context: time, greetings, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 早上好，同学们！(Good morning, classmates!)
• 我早上喜欢跑步。(I like running in the morning.)

Don't Say

• 早上下午我都有课。(Confusing — separate the time phrases: 早上和下午我都有课)

Origin & History

Composed of 早 (early) + 上 (up, on). Together they specify the early upward part of the day — morning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal