How to Say “What time is it?” in Chinese
Time and dates · HSK 1
"What time is it?" in Chinese is 现在几点？ (xiàn zài jǐ diǎn). 现在几点 (xiànzài jǐ diǎn) literally means "now what-hour?" The answer pattern is 现在X点 (it is X o'clock) with optional minutes: 现在三点十五分 (it is 3:15). 几 asks for a small number so Chinese speakers use it for hour questions even though any hour is possible; 多少点 sounds wrong.
Primary translation
现在几点？
xiàn zài jǐ diǎn
Traditional: 現在幾點？
Variants by register
Formal
请问现在几点了？
qǐng wèn xiàn zài jǐ diǎn le
When to use it
现在几点 (xiànzài jǐ diǎn) literally means "now what-hour?" The answer pattern is 现在X点 (it is X o'clock) with optional minutes: 现在三点十五分 (it is 3:15). 几 asks for a small number so Chinese speakers use it for hour questions even though any hour is possible; 多少点 sounds wrong. To ask for a specific event, use 几点开始 (when does it start).
Example sentences
现在几点？
Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?
What time is it?
请问现在几点了？
Qǐng wèn xiànzài jǐ diǎn le?
Excuse me, what time is it now?
电影几点开始？
Diànyǐng jǐ diǎn kāishǐ?
What time does the movie start?