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dot / o'clock / a bit / to order

diǎn
9 strokes · 灬 (fire-dots radical) + 占 · HSK 1

Where 点 comes from

点 (traditional 點) is 黑 (black) + 占 — a small black mark, a dot or speck. From 'a dot' it spread to many useful senses: a point, a bit, o'clock, and 'to dot/select'.

点 in Chinese culture

点 is one of the most multi-talented characters you'll meet. As TIME: Chinese tells the hour as 'how many dots' — 几点? (What time?), 三点 (3 o'clock). As QUANTITY: 一点 / 一点儿 = 'a little bit' (我会一点 = I know a little). As an ACTION: 点菜 = to order food ('dot the dishes' you want); 点头 = to nod ('dot the head'). One character, your whole day: the time, the amount, and ordering lunch.

Example

几点 jǐ diǎn — what time (o'clock)

现在几点?
Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?
What time is it now?

How to remember it

A small black dot — a POINT, a bit, and 'o'clock'.

Chinese tells time in 'dots': 几点? = 'how many o'clock?', 三点 = 3:00. The same 点 means 'a little' (一点) and 'to order food' (点菜). A true multitasker.

Same sound, different tones

1st diān
to topple
3rd diǎn
dot / o'clock
4th diàn
electricity

Words unlocked by 点

几点 jǐ diǎn
what time
一点 yìdiǎn
a little bit
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