noun (time word) HSK 1
afternoon · p.m.
Meaning
下午 refers to the time period from noon (12:00) until evening, typically understood as 12:00–18:00. It's one of the basic time divisions in Chinese and is used both to tell time (like 'p.m.') and to refer to the afternoon period in general.
Usage
Native speakers use 下午 as a standalone time reference ('this afternoon', 'in the afternoon') or combined with specific clock times to indicate p.m. hours. It's neutral in register and appropriate for all contexts. Commonly paired with 今天, 明天, 昨天 to specify which day's afternoon.
Examples
- 01我们下午三点见面吧。.Let's meet at 3 p.m.
- 02今天下午我要去图书馆。.I'm going to the library this afternoon.
Characters
Common collocations
- 下午好good afternoon
- 今天下午this afternoon
- 下午茶afternoon tea
- 下午三点3 p.m.
Antonyms
Origin
Literally means 'after noon' or 'below noon', with 下 indicating the time period that comes after 午 (noon/midday).