Dictionary
English - Chinese
Hour
ˈaʊ(ə)r
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
小时, 时刻, 小时候, 工作时间, 小时制
Hour meanings in Chinese
小时
Example:
I will meet you in one hour.
我将在一个小时后见你。
The movie lasts for two hours.
这部电影持续两个小时。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to indicate a unit of time equal to 60 minutes.
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'hour' and is used in both written and spoken language.
时刻
Example:
What hour does the train arrive?
火车几点到达？
It's almost the hour of our meeting.
快到我们的会议时刻了。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to refer to a specific time or moment.
Note: This usage emphasizes the exact time rather than the duration.
小时候
Example:
In my younger hours, I loved to play outside.
在我小时候，我喜欢在外面玩。
She often reminisces about her hours as a child.
她常常怀念自己小时候的时光。
Usage: informalContext: Used to refer to the time during someone's childhood.
Note: This meaning is more colloquial and often used in storytelling or reminiscing.
工作时间
Example:
Our office hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM.
我们的办公时间是上午9点到下午5点。
What are your business hours?
你的营业时间是什么时候？
Usage: formalContext: Used to refer to the scheduled hours for work or business operations.
Note: This meaning is commonly used in professional and business contexts.
小时制
Example:
Do you use the 12-hour or 24-hour clock?
你是用12小时制还是24小时制？
In military time, every hour is counted from zero.
在军事时间中，每个小时从零开始计算。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to refer to the system of measuring time in hours.
Note: This meaning refers to the method of telling time rather than a specific hour.
Hour's synonyms
time
Time refers to a period measured in seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc. It can be used interchangeably with 'hour' in some contexts.
Example: It will take some time to complete the project.
Note: While 'hour' specifically denotes a unit of time equal to 60 minutes, 'time' is a more general term encompassing various units of time.
period
Period refers to a specific length of time, often with a defined beginning and end. It can be used to indicate a duration similar to an hour.
Example: The meeting will last for a period of two hours.
Note: While 'hour' is a specific unit of time, 'period' can refer to any duration, not limited to 60 minutes.
interval
Interval denotes a specific period of time between two events or actions. It can be used to describe a segment of time similar to an hour.
Example: The train departs every half-hour interval.
Note: While 'hour' is a fixed unit of time, 'interval' focuses on the space between two points in time.
session
Session refers to a period of time dedicated to a specific activity or purpose. It can be used to indicate a duration equivalent to an hour.
Example: The therapy session lasted for an hour.
Note: While 'hour' is a standard unit of time, 'session' implies a specific activity or event taking place within that time frame.
Hour expressions, common phrases
On the hour
This phrase means exactly at the specified time (e.g., 2:00, 3:00).
Example: The train departs on the hour, so make sure you're at the station in time.
Note: The original word 'hour' refers to a unit of time, while this phrase specifies a specific time.
Happy hour
A period of time, usually in the late afternoon or early evening, when drinks are offered at reduced prices in bars or restaurants.
Example: Let's meet at the bar for happy hour after work.
Note: This phrase refers to a specific time for discounts on drinks, different from the general concept of an hour.
Rush hour
The time of day when roads and public transport are at their busiest due to people traveling to or from work.
Example: Avoid driving during rush hour if you want to reach your destination quickly.
Note: While 'hour' is a unit of time, this phrase refers to a period of heavy traffic congestion.
After hours
Refers to a period of time outside of regular working hours.
Example: The employees had a meeting after hours to discuss the upcoming project.
Note: This phrase indicates a time frame outside of the typical working hours, not just a single hour.
The eleventh hour
Refers to the last possible moment or the latest possible time before it is too late.
Example: They finished the project at the eleventh hour before the deadline.
Note: This phrase signifies a critical moment or deadline, not a specific hour.
A race against time
Means to do something as quickly as possible before time runs out.
Example: It's a race against time to finish the assignment before the deadline.
Note: This phrase emphasizes urgency and the need to complete a task quickly within a time limit, rather than focusing on a specific hour.
Hours on end
Refers to a continuous or extended period of time without stopping.
Example: She practiced the piano for hours on end to perfect her performance.
Note: While 'hour' refers to a specific unit of time, this phrase emphasizes the duration and continuity of an activity.
Hour everyday (slang) expressions
Hourly
Refers to being paid or occurring every hour.
Example: I get paid hourly so I have to keep track of my hours worked.
Note: Derived from the word 'hour' but used to indicate the frequency of payment or occurrence.
Clock in an hour
Informal way of saying they will arrive in one hour.
Example: Let's meet at the café, I'll clock in an hour.
Note: Uses 'clock in' in a non-traditional way to indicate the passing of time.
60 minutes
Direct synonym to the word 'hour', used in a more casual way.
Example: I'll be back in 60 minutes, don't start without me!
Note: Offers a playful alternative to the word 'hour' by focusing on the exact time measurement.
Hourglass
Refers to an object or person shaped like an hourglass.
Example: Her figure resembled an hourglass shape from the old movies.
Note: Associates the shape of an hourglass with the appearance of a person or object.
Short hour
Used to describe a relatively short period of time that seems longer.
Example: I thought the meeting would be long, but it was actually a short hour.
Note: Plays on the perception of time, emphasizing that not all hours feel the same length.
Happy half-hour
Refers to a specific period of time, usually before dinner, when drinks are served at reduced prices.
Example: Let's catch up during the happy half-hour at the bar.
Note: Focuses on a specific time frame within an hour, often associated with socializing and specials.
Round the clock
Indicates continuous activity or operation without stopping.
Example: They work round the clock to meet the deadline.
Note: Emphasizes the 24-hour cycle without mentioning specific hours within it.
Hour - Examples
I have been working for six hours.
我已经工作了六个小时。
The meeting will start in an hour.
会议将在一个小时后开始。
She is paid by the hour.
她是按小时收费的。
Hour grammar
Hour - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: hour
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): hours
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): hour
Syllables, Separation and Stress
hour Contains 1 syllables: hour
Phonetic transcription: ˈau̇(-ə)r
hour , ˈau̇( ə)r (The red syllable is stressed)
Hour - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
hour: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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