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中旬 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
中旬zhōngxúnmiddle third of a monthHSK 6, t, 10 strokes, rank #26582, Hard
zhōngxún(zhong1xun2)zhong xun T1
  1. 1middle third of a month
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March 24, 2026

中旬zhōngxún(zhong1xun2)

中旬 refers to the middle ten days of a month in the lunar or solar calendar. It is commonly used in scheduling and planning to denote a specific time frame, typically from the 11th to the 20th of the month, depending on the month’s length.

Strokes10Frequency#26582DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, timing is crucial for many traditional events, including festivals and business dealings. Using 中旬 accurately reflects an understanding of the structured approach to time that is prevalent in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a calendar where the middle section, the '中' (zhōng) part of the month, is highlighted. Picture '旬' (xún) as a sun symbol shining brightly, marking those middle days as the best time to plan events because '中旬' is when things are perfectly balanced.

Meanings of 中旬

zhōngxún(zhong1xun2)
1middle third of a month
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 中旬

中旬Simplified
10Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#26582Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 中旬

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AI Study Notes for 中旬

Quick Contrast

上旬 (shàngxún) refers to the first ten days of a month, while 下旬 (xiàxún) refers to the last ten days of a month; use 中旬 when specifying the middle ten days.

Usage Notes

中旬 is commonly used in formal contexts, such as business and academic settings, to refer to a specific time frame. Be cautious with the tones: '中' (zhōng) is first tone and '旬' (xún) is second tone. A common mistake is using it to refer to the entire month, which is incorrect.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 中旬 connects with other time-related vocabulary like '上旬' (shàngxún) for the first ten days and '下旬' (xiàxún) for the last ten days of the month. Students should focus on understanding its application in context and practice using it in sentences regarding time management.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 中旬 with the entire month or with the first and last ten days. For example, saying '我计划在这个月的中旬' (wǒ jìhuà zài zhège yuè de zhōngxún) to mean 'I plan to do something this month' is incorrect; it should refer to specific days.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 中旬

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Component Characters

中zhōngmiddle
HSK 34 strokes丨
View full entry
旬xúnten days
HSK 76 strokes日
View full entry

How to say middle third of a month in Chinese

“middle third of a month” in Chinese is中旬zhōngxún

中旬 refers to the middle ten days of a month in the lunar or solar calendar. It is commonly used in scheduling and planning to denote a specific time frame, typically from the 11th to the 20th of the month, depending on the month’s length.

When to use 中旬

中旬 is commonly used in formal contexts, such as business and academic settings, to refer to a specific time frame. Be cautious with the tones: '中' (zhōng) is first tone and '旬' (xún) is second tone. A common mistake is using it to refer to the entire month, which is incorrect.

中旬 or something close to it

上旬 (shàngxún) refers to the first ten days of a month, while 下旬 (xiàxún) refers to the last ten days of a month; use 中旬 when specifying the middle ten days.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 中旬 with the entire month or with the first and last ten days. For example, saying '我计划在这个月的中旬' (wǒ jìhuà zài zhège yuè de zhōngxún) to mean 'I plan to do something this month' is incorrect; it should refer to specific days.

Write 中旬

中
旬

Practice writing 中旬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 中旬

中旬 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

现在是11月____,天气寒冷而且经常有雾。

It was now the middle of November, cold and often foggy.

Example Sentences for 中旬 (3)

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1
现在是11月中旬,天气寒冷而且经常有雾。

xiàn zài shì11 11 yuè zhōng, xún , tiān qì hán lěng ér qiě jīng cháng。

It was now the middle of November, cold and often foggy.
2
3个月的限期截至6月中旬。

3 3 gè yuè de xiàn qī jié6 zhì 6 yuè。

The three month time limit will be up in mid-June.
3
他们在3月中旬发起了准备已久的攻势.

tā mén zài3 3 yuè zhōng xún fā qǐ le zhǔn bèi yǐ jiǔ de gōng.

Their long - prepared offensive was launched in the middle of March.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 中旬

You should pronounce 中 as 'zhōng' with a high, level tone and 旬 as 'xún' with a rising tone.

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