How to say “Sunday” in Chinese
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Pinyin colour key: tone 1 (high flat), tone 2 (rising), tone 3 (dipping), tone 4 (falling), neutral.
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Sunday breaks the number pattern: it is 星期天 (xīngqītiān) in speech or 星期日 (xīngqīrì) in writing and on signs, never 星期七. All three syllables are first tones. Short forms: 周日 (zhōurì) or 周天 (zhōutiān).
In a sentence
Xīngqītiān wǒ zài jiā xiūxi.
On Sunday I rest at home.
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Start freeFrequently asked questions
How do you say "Sunday" in Chinese?+
"Sunday" in Mandarin Chinese is 星期天, pronounced xīngqītiān. Sunday breaks the number pattern: it is 星期天 (xīngqītiān) in speech or 星期日 (xīngqīrì) in writing and on signs, never 星期七. All three syllables are first tones. Short forms: 周日 (zhōurì) or 周天 (zhōutiān).
What does 星期天 mean literally?+
星期天 breaks down as 星期 (xīngqī) = week, 天 (tiān) = day / sky. Together it means "Sunday".
How do I get the tones right in xīngqītiān?+
Sunday breaks the number pattern: it is 星期天 (xīngqītiān) in speech or 星期日 (xīngqīrì) in writing and on signs, never 星期七. All three syllables are first tones. Short forms: 周日 (zhōurì) or 周天 (zhōutiān).
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