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A1 noun #7,000 most common 9 min read

整点

zhengdian Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 整点 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 整点 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '整点' (zhěngdiǎn) is introduced as a basic concept related to telling time. Students learn that '点' (diǎn) means 'o'clock'. '整点' simply adds the idea of 'exactly' or 'on the hour'. At this stage, you should focus on recognizing '整点' in simple schedules, such as bus or train times. It is often used to describe when something happens every hour (e.g., 1:00, 2:00). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that it refers to the 'zero minutes' mark on a clock. It is very useful for basic survival Chinese, like asking when the next bus comes or when a shop opens. A1 learners should also learn to distinguish it from '分钟' (fēnzhōng - minutes). If a time is '整点', there are zero '分钟'. You might see this word on signs at tourist spots or in simple textbooks describing a character's daily routine. Practice saying '整点出发' (depart on the hour) to get used to the rhythm of the word.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '整点' in more varied sentence structures. You will learn to use '每逢' (měiféng - every time) or '每到' (měidào - every time it reaches) with '整点'. For example, '每到整点，大钟都会响' (Every hour on the hour, the big clock rings). A2 learners should also start to notice the difference between '整点' and '准时' (punctual). While '准时' is about being on time for a meeting, '整点' is about the specific clock face position. You might use '整点' when talking about your work schedule or transit. For instance, '我每小时的整点都会休息一下' (I take a break every hour on the hour). This level also involves understanding basic public announcements. In a mall, you might hear '整点抽奖' (hourly lucky draw). Recognizing this word helps you participate in daily activities and follow simple instructions in a Chinese-speaking environment.

At the B1 level, '整点' is used in more professional and descriptive contexts. You should be comfortable using it to describe systematic processes. For example, '该系统的备份在每小时的整点自动运行' (The system backup runs automatically every hour on the hour). B1 learners should also understand the cultural significance of '整点' in Chinese media, such as '整点新闻' (hourly news). You will start to see '整点' used in online shopping contexts, specifically '整点秒杀' (hourly flash sales), which requires a deeper understanding of Chinese digital culture. At this level, you should also be able to explain the difference between '整点' and '准点' (on schedule) to others. Your sentences should become more complex, incorporating '整点' into conditional or causal structures, like '因为火车是整点发车，所以我们必须在两点前赶到车站' (Because the train departs on the hour, we must reach the station before 2:00).

At the B2 level, you use '整点' with a high degree of precision in business and technical discussions. You might discuss '整点报时系统' (hourly time-signal systems) or the '整点通过率' (on-the-hour passage rate) in logistics. B2 learners should be able to appreciate the nuance of '整点' in literature or news reporting, where it might be used to set a scene or emphasize the relentless passage of time. You will also encounter '整点' in more abstract ways, perhaps in discussions about urban planning or synchronization of services. Your vocabulary should include related terms like '零点' (língdiǎn - midnight/zero hour) and '正午' (zhèngwǔ - noon). You should be able to use '整点' in a debate or presentation about efficiency, explaining how '整点发车' improves passenger flow. At this level, your use of the word should feel natural and effortless, even in fast-paced conversations about schedules and timing.

At the C1 level, '整点' is a tool for sophisticated expression. You understand its role in creating a sense of rhythm in narrative writing. For example, a writer might use the '整点' striking of a clock to symbolize a character's anxiety or the transition between chapters of life. C1 learners can analyze the etymology of '整' (whole) and how it relates to other concepts like '整合' (integration) or '整齐' (neat), seeing the underlying logic of 'wholeness' in the word '整点'. You can use the term in complex legal or contractual contexts, such as specifying when a service window opens or when a daily interest rate is calculated. You are also aware of the subtle social expectations surrounding '整点' in different Chinese regions or professional circles. Your command of the word allows you to use it metaphorically or in wordplay, demonstrating a deep cultural and linguistic immersion.

At the C2 level, '整点' is used with the nuance of a native speaker who has mastered the language's most subtle shades. You can discuss the historical evolution of timekeeping in China and how the concept of '整点' shifted from traditional 'shichen' (two-hour periods) to the modern 24-hour system. You might use '整点' in philosophical discussions about the nature of time—is it a series of '整点' points or a continuous flow? In high-level diplomatic or academic settings, you use the term with absolute precision to avoid any ambiguity in international coordination. Your understanding of '整点' is integrated with a vast knowledge of Chinese idioms, history, and modern slang. You can write essays or give speeches where '整点' serves as a motif for order, synchronization, or the rigid structures of modern life. For a C2 learner, '整点' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual building block used to navigate the most complex Chinese linguistic landscapes.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

整点 in 30 Seconds

Refers to the exact hour (e.g., 1:00, 2:00).
Commonly used in transport and broadcasting.
Means 'whole' (整) + 'hour' (点).
Distinguish from '准时' (punctual) and '准点' (on schedule).

The term 整点 (zhěngdiǎn) is a cornerstone of temporal expression in Chinese, specifically referring to the exact moment an hour begins, such as 1:00, 2:00, or 12:00. Linguistically, it is composed of two characters: 整 (zhěng), meaning whole, complete, or in good order, and 点 (diǎn), which is the standard measure word for 'o'clock'. Together, they literally describe a 'whole hour' without the 'fragmentation' of minutes or seconds. This concept is vital in a culture that values punctuality in formal settings and systematic scheduling in public services. You will encounter this word most frequently in contexts involving transportation schedules, broadcasting, and formal appointments. For instance, a bus might depart 每逢整点 (měi féng zhěngdiǎn), meaning 'every time the clock hits the hour'.

Linguistic Composition: The character '整' implies a lack of remainder. Just as '整数' means an integer (a whole number), '整点' means a whole hour. It excludes any extra minutes (分 fēn) or seconds (秒 miǎo).
Daily Application: In casual conversation, if someone says '我们整点见' (Wǒmen zhěngdiǎn jiàn), they are suggesting meeting at the next sharp hour, such as 3:00 or 4:00, rather than a time like 3:15.
Public Broadcasting: Radio stations in China often feature a '整点报时' (zhěngdiǎn bàoshí), an hourly time signal that announces the exact time to listeners across the nation.

现在的钟声是整点报时。(The current bell sound is the hourly time signal.)

这趟班车每隔一小时的整点发车。(This shuttle bus departs on the hour every hour.)

请在整点时进入会议室。(Please enter the meeting room exactly on the hour.)

广播里传来了整点的消息。(The news came through on the hour over the radio.)

我们约在下午两点整点见面。(We agreed to meet at exactly 2:00 PM.)

Understanding '整点' is not just about time; it is about understanding the structure of Chinese daily life. From the precision of the high-speed rail network to the synchronized start of national examinations, the concept of the 'whole hour' serves as a rhythmic pulse for society. It represents a transition point, a fresh start, and a standard for synchronization. When you use this word, you are communicating a desire for precision that goes beyond just 'being on time'—you are referencing the clock's mathematical certainty.

Using 整点 (zhěngdiǎn) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun or an adverbial phrase of time. It often appears as the object of a preposition like '在' (zài - at) or as a modifier for verbs like '出发' (chūfā - depart) or '开始' (kāishǐ - start). Unlike the English 'o'clock', which follows a number, '整点' can stand alone to represent the general concept of 'the top of the hour'.

As a Subject or Object: '整点到了' (Zhěngdiǎn dào le) means 'The hour has struck'. Here, it acts as a noun. In '注意整点' (Zhùyì zhěngdiǎn), it is the object, meaning 'Pay attention to the sharp hour'.
In Frequency Phrases: '每逢整点' (Měi féng zhěngdiǎn) is a common literary and formal way to say 'every time it is the hour'. You will see this on signs at ferry terminals or tourist attractions.
Combined with Numbers: While we usually say '十点整' (shí diǎn zhěng), we use '整点' to refer to the category. For example, '整点发车' (zhěngdiǎn fāchē) implies the bus leaves at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, etc.

商场每到整点都会放音乐。(The mall plays music every time it hits the hour.)

请在整点前五分钟集合。(Please gather five minutes before the hour.)

由于是整点，路上的车非常多。(Because it is exactly on the hour, there are many cars on the road.)

When constructing sentences, think of '整点' as a specific 'slot' in time. In professional environments, meetings are often scheduled on the '整点' to simplify calendars. You might hear a manager say, '我们的会议都定在整点' (All our meetings are set on the hour). This usage emphasizes organization and clarity. Furthermore, in the digital age, '整点' has become synonymous with 'peak traffic' or 'synchronized actions' in online gaming or shopping, where server events trigger at 00 minutes past the hour. Mastery of this word allows you to navigate both the physical world of Chinese logistics and the digital world of Chinese internet culture with precision.

In the real world, 整点 (zhěngdiǎn) is the language of the public announcement system, the radio broadcaster, and the disciplined professional. If you stand in a busy Chinese train station like Shanghai Hongqiao or Beijing South, the departures screen often lists trains that leave at '整点'. The audio announcements will use this term to guide passengers. For example, '往上海的列车每逢整点发车' (Trains to Shanghai depart every hour on the hour). This consistency is a hallmark of major transit corridors.

Broadcasting & Media: Radio is perhaps the most iconic place to hear this. The phrase '整点报时' (zhěngdiǎn bàoshí) is often followed by a series of 'beeps' and a voice saying, '北京时间，十二点整' (Beijing time, twelve o'clock sharp).
Online Shopping (E-commerce): On apps like Taobao or JD.com, you will see '整点秒杀' (zhěngdiǎn miǎoshā). This refers to lightning deals that start exactly at 10:00, 12:00, 20:00, etc. Shoppers wait for the '整点' to click 'buy'.
Workplace & Education: In schools or factories, the bell rings at the '整点'. Teachers might say, '我们整点开始上课' (We will start class exactly on the hour).

听到广播里的整点钟声了吗？(Did you hear the hourly chime on the radio?)

这个网页每到整点就会更新一次数据。(This webpage updates its data once every hour on the hour.)

Beyond these structured environments, '整点' is also used in casual social coordination to avoid the ambiguity of minutes. If a group of friends is exploring a park, they might agree: '如果走散了，我们在大门口整点集合' (If we get separated, we'll meet at the main gate on the hour). This provides a predictable window for reconnection. In essence, '整点' acts as a universal synchronization point in Chinese life, bridging the gap between high-stakes logistics and low-stakes social planning. When you hear it, it is a call to align your personal clock with the collective rhythm of the world around you.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 整点 (zhěngdiǎn) is confusing it with other time-related terms like 准时 (zhǔnshí) or 准点 (zhǔndiǎn). While they all relate to being 'on time', their semantic boundaries are distinct. Another common error is using '整点' as a direct translation for the English 'o'clock' when specifying a particular time (e.g., saying '三整点' instead of '三点整').

整点 vs. 准点: '整点' refers specifically to the :00 minute. '准点' means 'on schedule'. If a train is scheduled for 2:15 and it arrives at 2:15, it is '准点' (on schedule), but it is NOT '整点' (on the hour).
整点 vs. 准时: '准时' is an adjective/adverb describing a person's punctuality. '他很准时' (He is very punctual). You cannot say '他很整点'.
Word Order Errors: Learners often say '五点整点' (Wrong). The correct way to say 'exactly five o'clock' is '五点整'. '整点' is used mostly to refer to the abstract concept of the hour mark.

Incorrect: 我在三点整点等你。(I'll wait for you at 3 'on the hour'.)
Correct: 我在三点整等你。(I'll wait for you at 3 o'clock sharp.)

Furthermore, some learners try to use '整点' to mean 'the whole day' or 'the whole time', confusing it with '整天' (zhěngtiān). Remember that '点' specifically refers to the point on the clock. If you want to say 'the whole hour' in terms of duration (e.g., 'I waited for a whole hour'), use '一整个小时' (yī zhěng gè xiǎoshí). '整点' is a point in time, not a duration of time. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound more natural and precise, especially in professional contexts where time terminology is used strictly.

To truly master 整点 (zhěngdiǎn), you should understand its relationship with its linguistic neighbors. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for time and punctuality, and choosing the right word depends on whether you are emphasizing the clock's position, the schedule's adherence, or a person's behavior.

准点 (zhǔndiǎn): Meaning: On schedule. Use this for trains, planes, and buses. If the schedule says 14:20 and it arrives at 14:20, it is 准点. It is the most common synonym in transportation contexts.
准时 (zhǔnshí): Meaning: Punctual / On time. This is used for people and actions. '请准时参加会议' (Please attend the meeting on time). It emphasizes the human element of being timely.
正好 (zhènghǎo): Meaning: Just right / Coincidentally. You might say '现在正好三点' (It is exactly 3:00 right now). It is more colloquial than '整点'.
点整 (diǎnzhěng): Meaning: ...o'clock sharp. This is a suffix. You can't say '整点' after a number, but you can say '八点整' (8 o'clock sharp).

虽然火车是准点到达的，但并不是在整点到达。(Although the train arrived on schedule, it did not arrive on the hour.)

In formal writing or news reporting, you may also encounter '届时' (jièshí), which means 'at the appointed time'. However, '整点' remains the most specific term for the '00' minute mark. Understanding these nuances allows you to describe time with the same level of detail as a native speaker. Whether you are discussing the '整点报时' of a clock tower or the '准点率' (zhǔndiǎnlǜ - on-time rate) of an airline, your choice of words will reflect your mastery of Chinese temporal precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, time was kept in 'shichen' (2-hour blocks). The modern '整点' concept is a result of adopting the Western 24-hour clock system in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒʌŋ diɛn/

US /dʒʌŋ diɛn/

The emphasis is usually slightly more on the first syllable '整' to highlight the 'wholeness'.

Rhymes With

冷点 (lěngdiǎn) 省点 (shěngdiǎn) 顶点 (dǐngdiǎn) 景点 (jǐngdiǎn) 起点 (qǐdiǎn) 终点 (zhōngdiǎn) 重点 (zhòngdiǎn) 早点 (zǎodiǎn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zh' as 'z' (non-retroflex).
Confusing the third tone of '整' with the first tone.
Mixing up 'diǎn' with 'diàn' (electric).
Failing to dip the tone low enough on 'diǎn'.
Omitting the 'n' sound at the end of 'diǎn'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The characters are relatively simple and commonly seen in early lessons.

Writing 2/5

Writing '整' requires attention to stroke order and the many components.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for beginners.

Listening 1/5

The word is very distinct in audio announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

点时间现在钟一

Learn Next

准时分钟半刻秒

Advanced

由于报时秒杀巡检维护

Grammar to Know

Time Nouns as Adverbials

他在[Time]做某事。 (He does something at [Time].)

Using '整' as a suffix

十点整 (10:00 sharp).

Frequency with '每'

每个整点 (Every hour on the hour).

Approximate time with '左右'

三点整点左右 (Around 3:00 sharp - though rare, used for emphasis).

Duration vs Point in time

整点 (Point) vs 一个小时 (Duration).

Examples by Level

现在是三点整点。

It is exactly three o'clock.

Using '整点' as a noun phrase meaning 'exactly on the hour'.

火车整点开。

The train leaves on the hour.

Subject + 整点 + Verb.

他在整点等我。

He is waiting for me on the hour.

Location/Time + Verb.

每逢整点，钟会响。

Every time it's the hour, the bell rings.

每逢 (every time) + 整点.

我们在整点见面吧。

Let's meet on the hour.

Suggestion particle '吧'.

现在不是整点。

It is not the hour right now.

Negation with '不是'.

整点到了。

The hour has arrived.

Noun + 到了 (arrived/happened).

看，那是整点报时。

Look, that is the hourly time signal.

Demonstrative '那是'.

公共汽车每到整点发车。

The bus departs every time it reaches the hour.

每到 (every time it reaches) + noun.

请在整点的时候叫醒我。

Please wake me up on the hour.

在...的时候 (during/at the time of).

这个节目在每个整点播出。

This program is broadcast every hour on the hour.

每个 (every) + noun.

我习惯在整点开始工作。

I am used to starting work on the hour.

习惯 (be used to) + verb.

商场有整点打折活动。

The mall has hourly discount activities.

Modifier usage: 整点 + noun.

我们要赶上十点的整点班车。

We need to catch the 10:00 hourly shuttle.

Specific hour + 的 + 整点 + noun.

收音机里有整点新闻。

There is hourly news on the radio.

整点 + 新闻 (news).

他总是在整点到达办公室。

He always arrives at the office on the hour.

总是 (always) + adverbial of time.

为了方便，会议都安排在整点。

For convenience, all meetings are arranged on the hour.

为了 (for the sake of) + purpose.

整点报时的声音非常清脆。

The sound of the hourly time signal is very crisp.

Descriptive adjective '清脆'.

如果你错过了整点，就要再等一小时。

If you miss the hour, you have to wait another hour.

Conditional '如果...就...'.

这个网站的整点秒杀非常火爆。

The hourly flash sale on this website is very popular.

Compound noun '整点秒杀'.

巡逻员每逢整点都会经过这里。

The patrolman passes here every hour on the hour.

每逢 (whenever it is).

请确保在整点前完成数据备份。

Please ensure the data backup is completed before the hour.

确保 (ensure) + clause.

整点过后，街道变得安静了。

After the hour passed, the street became quiet.

整点 + 过后 (after).

他喜欢在整点时反思一下工作。

He likes to reflect on his work on the hour.

Verb '反思' (reflect).

系统设定在每小时的整点自动更新。

The system is set to update automatically every hour on the hour.

Passive/Setting '设定在'.

由于整点车流量大，建议提前出发。

Due to high traffic on the hour, it's suggested to leave early.

由于 (due to) + reason.

整点报时是该广播电台的特色之一。

The hourly time signal is one of the features of this radio station.

...之一 (one of...).

在整点切换频道时，可能会有短暂延迟。

When switching channels on the hour, there might be a short delay.

Verb '切换' (switch).

该地区的供水系统在整点进行压力调节。

The water supply system in this area performs pressure adjustment on the hour.

进行 (conduct/perform) + noun.

整点抢购需要极快的网速和反应速度。

Hourly flash buying requires extremely fast internet and reaction speeds.

Subject as a complex gerund-like phrase.

他精准地踩着整点的钟声走进了教室。

He stepped into the classroom precisely as the hourly bell rang.

踩着 (stepping on/at the moment of).

整点不仅是时间的概念，更是效率的象征。

On the hour is not just a concept of time, but a symbol of efficiency.

不仅是...更是... (not only... but also...).

钟楼的整点轰鸣声在寂静的夜空里回荡。

The hourly boom of the clock tower echoed in the silent night sky.

Literary verb '回荡' (echo).

他似乎对整点有一种近乎偏执的坚持。

He seems to have a near-obsessive persistence regarding the sharp hour.

近乎 (close to/bordering on).

整点报时系统在维护期间将暂停服务。

The hourly time signal system will suspend service during maintenance.

Formal term '维护期间'.

城市脉动在整点的交替中得以体现。

The pulse of the city is reflected in the alternation of the hours.

得以 (be able to/be allowed to).

历史的转折点往往并不发生在整点。

Turning points in history often do not happen on the hour.

Metaphorical use of time.

这种整点巡检制度有效地降低了事故率。

This hourly inspection system effectively reduced the accident rate.

Compound '巡检制度'.

广播员用标准的声音播报着整点新闻摘要。

The announcer broadcast the hourly news summary in a standard voice.

摘要 (summary/abstract).

在整点时分，所有的喷泉同时开启。

At the stroke of the hour, all fountains turned on simultaneously.

时分 (time/moment).

整点这一刻，仿佛是时间长河中的一个锚点。

The moment of the hour is like an anchor in the long river of time.

Philosophical simile '仿佛是'.

在该理论中，整点被视为系统同步的关键阈值。

In this theory, the sharp hour is regarded as a key threshold for system synchronization.

被视为 (be regarded as).

文学作品中常利用整点钟声来营造仪式感。

Literary works often utilize the hourly bell to create a sense of ritual.

营造 (construct/create) + abstract noun.

整点报时的精准度反映了国家授时中心的实力。

The precision of the hourly time signal reflects the strength of the National Time Service Center.

授时 (time service/providing time).

这种周期性的整点波动揭示了深层的市场逻辑。

This periodic hourly fluctuation reveals deep market logic.

揭示 (reveal/uncover).

他的人生轨迹似乎总是与整点的钟声交织在一起。

His life path seems to always be intertwined with the hourly bells.

交织 (intertwine).

在高度自动化的工厂，整点意味着工序的切换。

In highly automated factories, the hour signifies the switching of processes.

意味着 (mean/signify).

对整点的执着追求体现了现代文明对秩序的渴求。

The persistent pursuit of the sharp hour reflects modern civilization's thirst for order.

渴求 (thirst for/craving).

Common Collocations

整点报时

每逢整点

整点发车

整点秒杀

整点新闻

整点集合

踩着整点

错过整点

整点更新

整点打折

Common Phrases

整点到

— Arriving exactly on the hour.

他在整点到了家。

每隔整点

— At every hourly interval.

闹钟每隔整点响一次。

整点钟声

— The sound of the clock striking the hour.

整点钟声传得很远。

整点过一分

— One minute past the hour.

现在是整点过一分。

不到整点

— Not yet the hour.

现在还不到整点。

过了整点

— Past the hour.

已经过了整点五分钟。

整点巡逻

— Hourly patrol.

保安进行整点巡逻。

整点开会

— Meeting starting on the hour.

我们习惯整点开会。

整点抽奖

— Hourly lucky draw.

商场正在整点抽奖。

整点检查

— Hourly check/inspection.

护士每逢整点检查病房。

Often Confused With

整点 vs 准点

Used for adhering to a schedule (e.g., 2:15). 整点 is only for :00.

整点 vs 整天

Means 'all day'. Learners sometimes mix up 'day' and 'hour'.

整点 vs 点整

This is a suffix (e.g., 5点整). 整点 is a standalone noun or prefix.

Idioms & Expressions

"准时准点"

— Very punctual and exactly on schedule.

他做事一向准时准点。

Colloquial

"整整齐齐"

— Neat and tidy (uses the same '整').

书摆得整整齐齐。

Common

"零时整点"

— Exactly at midnight/zero hour.

新年在零时整点到来。

Formal

"分秒必争"

— Every second counts (contrast to the 'whole' hour).

我们要分秒必争地工作。

Idiom

"一丝不苟"

— Meticulous (relates to the precision of '整点').

他工作一丝不苟。

Idiom

"千钧一发"

— At the critical moment (often near a '整点').

在千钧一发的时刻...

Idiom

"按部就班"

— Follow the prescribed order (like hourly schedules).

一切按部就班进行。

Idiom

"有条不紊"

— Methodical and orderly.

工作安排得有条不紊。

Idiom

"不差累黍"

— Extremely accurate (not a hair's breadth off).

时间算得不差累黍。

Literary

"恰到好处"

— Just right.

他的出现恰到好处。

Common

Easily Confused

整点 vs 准时

Both relate to time accuracy.

准时 is for people being punctual. 整点 is for the clock hitting the hour mark.

他很准时 (He is punctual). vs 现在是整点 (It is the hour).

整点 vs 正点

Sounds similar to 整点.

正点 is specifically used for transport schedules (on time).

火车运行正点。

整点 vs 整齐

Shares the '整' character.

整齐 means neat or tidy, referring to appearance, not time.

房间很整齐。

整点 vs 整数

Shares the '整' character.

整数 means an integer (math), while 整点 is a whole hour.

10是一个整数。

整点 vs 点播

Shares the '点' character.

点播 means to play on demand (like music/video).

点播一首歌。

Sentence Patterns

现在是[Number]点整点。

现在是五点整点。

[Subject]每到整点[Verb]。

他每到整点就喝水。

在整点[Action]是很有必要的。

在整点备份数据是很有必要的。

由于[Reason]，我们必须赶在整点前[Action]。

由于交通拥堵，我们必须赶在整点前出发。

整点钟声的[Noun]勾起了我的[Memory]。

整点钟声的轰鸣勾起了我的童年回忆。

[Abstract Noun]在整点的更迭中[Verb]。

时代的印记在整点的更迭中逐渐消磨。

Any

每逢整点

每逢整点，他都会看表。

Any

整点过[Minutes]

整点过十分。

Word Family

Nouns

整数 (Integer)

整容 (Plastic surgery)

整顿 (Reorganization)

点钟 (O'clock)

Verbs

整理 (To tidy up)

整治 (To renovate/punish)

点名 (To call roll)

点火 (To ignite)

Adjectives

整齐 (Tidy)

完整 (Complete)

整洁 (Clean and neat)

时间 (Time)

钟表 (Clock)

分钟 (Minute)

秒 (Second)

准时 (Punctual)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

三点整点 → 三点整
When specifying a number, use '整' as a suffix. '整点' is used more as a general noun.
他来得很整点 → 他来得很准时
You cannot use '整点' to describe a person's behavior. It describes the clock.
整点十分 → 三点十分
You cannot combine '整点' with minutes. It means 'zero minutes'.
我等了整点 → 我等了一整个小时
To express duration (a whole hour), use '一整个小时'. '整点' is a point in time.
火车整点到了 → 火车准点到了
If the train is on schedule but the schedule isn't :00, use '准点'.

Tips

Think of the '00'

Whenever you see :00 on a digital clock, that is the '整点'. Use this to anchor the word in your mind.

Don't use with '分钟'

Never say '整点十分'. Once you add minutes, it's no longer a '整点'.

Radio Beeps

Listen to China National Radio. You will hear five short beeps and one long beep at the '整点'.

The 'Zh' Sound

Practice curling your tongue back for 'zh'. If it sounds like 'z', it won't be as clear to native speakers.

Shopping Strategy

If you see '整点抢购', refresh your page 2 seconds before the hour starts.

Stroke Order

The bottom of '整' is '正' (zhèng). Writing '正' correctly helps you remember the whole character.

Station Announcements

In train stations, listen for '每逢整点' (měi féng zhěngdiǎn) to know the frequency of departures.

Suffix vs Noun

Remember: '5:00 sharp' = 五点整. 'The sharp hour' = 整点.

Zhěng vs Zhǔn

Zhěng = Whole/Mathematical. Zhǔn = Standard/Punctual.

Meeting Times

Setting a meeting at '整点' is considered clearer and more polite in Chinese business culture.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Zheng' as 'Just' and 'Dian' as 'Dot'. It's the 'Just Dot' moment where the clock hand hits the big dot at the top.

Visual Association

Imagine a big, round, 'whole' (整) pizza. The '整点' is when the pizza is perfectly round before you cut it into minute-slices.

Word Web

Clock Hour Zero Whole Sharp Schedule Radio Punctual

Challenge

Try to say '现在是[Hour]点整' every time you see a clock hit the top of the hour today.

Word Origin

The character '整' (zhěng) consists of '敕' (order) and '正' (correct), implying something that is restored to its proper, whole state. '点' (diǎn) originally meant a small dot or mark, which evolved to denote marks on a sundial or clock face.

Original meaning: A 'complete mark' on a time-keeping device.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral time-related term.

In English, we say 'on the hour' or 'o'clock sharp'. The usage is very similar.

CCTV-1 Hourly News The Big Bell of the Beijing Telegraph Building Taobao 11.11 Flash Sales

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Train Station

整点发车
准点到达
错过班次
自动售票

Radio/TV

整点报时
整点新闻
直播开始
频道切换

Office

整点开会
准时参加
打卡记录
工作安排

Online Shopping

整点秒杀
限时抢购
加入购物车
立刻下单

School

整点响铃
准时交卷
课间休息
课程表

Conversation Starters

"我们是在整点见面，还是三点半？"

"你听到了刚才的整点报时吗？"

"这趟车是每逢整点发车吗？"

"你参加过网上的整点秒杀吗？"

"为什么这个钟在整点不响了？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你对‘整点’这个概念的看法。你是一个守时的人吗？

描述一次你因为错过整点发车的公共汽车而发生的趣事。

如果你的一天只能在整点做重要的事情，你的生活会变成什么样？

谈谈你最喜欢的整点新闻节目或广播。

想象一个没有‘整点’的世界，人们如何协调时间？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it is more common to say '三点整' if you are specifying the time. '三点整点' sounds slightly more like 'the 3:00 hour mark'.

No, '整点' exclusively refers to the 00-minute mark. For minutes, you would use '分钟'.

You can say '半点' (bàndiǎn). For example, '每逢半点' means every half hour (e.g., 1:30, 2:30).

It is neutral. It is used in both formal announcements (radio) and informal contexts (shopping/chatting).

It is the 'hourly time signal' found on radio or public clocks. It usually involves a series of beeps or a bell.

No. You cannot say '他很整点'. Use '他很准时' (He is punctual).

No, it means 'on the hour'. If you want to say 'all the time', use '整天' or '一直'.

Yes, for synchronized watches or patrol times, '整点' is the standard term for precision.

It's a popular Chinese e-commerce term for limited-time sales that begin exactly on the hour.

No, that is incorrect. Use '两点半' (2:30). '整点' and '半' are mutually exclusive.