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    Chinese Grammar

    Counting minutes with 分 (fēn)

    Numbers & Quantity
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Number + 分(钟)

    Explanation

    分 (fēn) is the measure word for minutes when telling time or expressing durations. It follows a number to indicate how many minutes, as in 两分钟 (two minutes) or 十分钟 (ten minutes). In casual speech, 钟 is sometimes dropped, leaving just 分.

    Examples

    • 再等五分钟，他马上就到。

      Zài děng wǔ fēnzhōng, tā mǎshàng jiù dào.

      Wait five more minutes; he'll be here soon.

    • 这首歌只有三分钟，很快就听完了。

      Zhè shǒu gē zhǐyǒu sān fēnzhōng, hěn kuài jiù tīng wán le.

      This song is only three minutes long; it'll be over very quickly.

    • 从家到公司坐地铁大概需要四十分钟。

      Cóng jiā dào gōngsī zuò dìtiě dàgài xūyào sìshí fēnzhōng.

      It takes about forty minutes to get from home to the office by subway.

    Similar Grammar

    Counting minutes with 分 (fēn) | Chinese Grammar