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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "second (time)" with 秒 (miǎo)

    Numbers & Quantity
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Number + 秒

    Explanation

    秒 (miǎo) is the classifier and unit of time meaning "second." It is used to express very short durations of time, often emphasizing quickness or immediacy in storytelling and everyday speech.

    Examples

    • 请等我几秒，马上就好。

      qǐng děng wǒ jǐ miǎo, mǎshàng jiù hǎo.

      Please wait a few seconds, I'll be done right away.

    • 这个视频只有三十秒，很快就看完了。

      zhège shìpín zhǐyǒu sānshí miǎo, hěn kuài jiù kàn wán le.

      This video is only thirty seconds long, so it's very quick to watch.

    • 短短几秒之内，一切都变了。

      Duǎnduǎn jǐ miǎo zhī nèi, yīqiè dōu biàn le.

      In just a few seconds, everything changed.

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    Expressing "second (time)" with 秒 (miǎo) | Chinese Grammar