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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to the fifth day of a lunar month with 初五 (chūwǔ)

    Time Expressions

    Structure

    初 + Number (1–10)

    Explanation

    The term 初五 (chūwǔ) specifically refers to the fifth day of a month in the Chinese lunar calendar. The prefix 初 is used for the first ten days of each lunar month (初一 through 初十). It is commonly seen in discussions of traditional Chinese holidays and dates.

    Examples

    • 正月初五也叫破五节。

      Zhēngyuè chūwǔ yě jiào Pòwǔ Jié.

      The fifth day of the first lunar month is also called the Powu Festival.

    • 农历五月初五是端午节。

      Nónglì wǔyuè chūwǔ shì Duānwǔ Jié.

      The fifth day of the fifth lunar month is the Dragon Boat Festival.

    • 我们定在初五那天出发。

      Wǒmen dìng zài chūwǔ nà tiān chūfā.

      We've set our departure for the fifth day.

    Referring to the fifth day of a lunar month with 初五 (chūwǔ) | Chinese Grammar