As an expert in the field of time and its various expressions, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of how we describe the time in English. The question you've asked pertains to a specific time of day, which is "a quarter past ten." Let's delve into the nuances of this expression and the broader context of timekeeping.
首先，我们来探讨“a quarter past ten”这个表达。在英语中，我们使用不同的短语来描述一天中不同时间点的分钟数。这些短语有助于我们快速、清晰地传达时间信息。

When referring to the first fifteen minutes after the hour, we use the phrase "quarter past." This is because a quarter of an hour is fifteen minutes, which is one-fourth of the sixty minutes that constitute an hour. Therefore, "a quarter past ten" means that it is ten o'clock plus fifteen minutes, or 10:15.

Now, let's look at the structure of time expressions in English:


1. Exact Minutes: When the time is on the hour, we simply say the hour. For instance, "It's twelve o'clock."


2. Past the Hour: For the first thirty minutes after the hour, we use the word "past." For example, "It's ten past ten" means it is 10:10.


3. Half Past: At the thirty-minute mark, we use "half past." So, "half past ten" is 10:30.


4. Quarter Past: As mentioned earlier, for the first fifteen minutes after the half-hour, we say "quarter past." Thus, "a quarter past ten" is 10:15.


5. Quarter to the Hour: For the fifteen minutes before the next hour, we use "quarter to." For example, "a quarter to eleven" means it is 10:45.


6. Fifteen Minutes: The term "fifteen" can also be used interchangeably with "quarter past." So, "fifteen past ten" is another way to say 10:15.

7.
Minutes to the Hour: For the remaining minutes before the hour, we can use the phrase "minutes to" followed by the next hour. For instance, "five to eleven" means it is 10:55.

It's important to note that the use of "to" in "quarter to" and "five to" might seem counterintuitive at first, as it suggests a direction towards something. However, it's a traditional way of expressing the time that has been adopted in English and is widely understood.

Understanding these expressions is crucial for clear communication, especially in formal settings or when precision is required, such as in business meetings, academic schedules, or transportation timetables.

Now, let's move on to the translation of the explanation into Chinese.

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When it's before the hour (after 30 minutes past) we say "to". There are 60 minutes in an hour. 30 minutes is half an hour, we say "half past" or "thirty". 15 minutes is quarter of an hour, we say "quarter past" or "fifteen" or "quarter to" or "forty-five". Twelve o'clock.read more >>