至多不过戌时三刻 我们的布局没有问题
“At most, the third quarter of the Xu hour. Our plan was flawless.”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
等到了蓬莱巷 兵分两路 外围前后四个巷口
“Once we reached Penglai Alley, we split into two groups. Four entrances on the front and back.”
至多不过 戌时三刻 我们的 布局 没有问题
“At most, the third quarter of the Xu hour. Our plan was flawless.”
我们的时间
“Our timing was very tight.”
Direct spoken expression in this communicative setting.
Traditional China divided the 24-hour day into 12 two-hour periods (Shichen), with Xu Shi running from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
at most no more than
Used to establish a definitive upper limit on time, quantity, or cost.
around 7:45 to 8:00 PM (traditional two-hour system)
Ancient Chinese time measurement where each shichen corresponds to two modern hours.
no problem; foolproof
Standard phrase to express absolute confidence and assure partners of feasibility.
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“What do we do now, wait for the third ke?”
“Near the end of the Xu hour.”
“The time has come.”
“What time is it now? Why hasn't breakfast been served?”
“I thought you arrive at the Si hour. Why are you here so early?”
“I've timed it. The subway is still running.”