Examples
Meaning
the longest of the two clock-hands
Notes
This is used in time expressions with a verb constructed from a numeral + N{ŋŋuq}V 'become N', to tell the number of minutes to/past the hour, by stating what number the longest of the clock-hands points to.
| Kalaallisut | Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| pingasunut tanneq aqqaninngorpoq | five minutes to three | From aqqaneq '(the number) eleven'. The logic is that if the longest clock-hand is pointing to 11, then it is five minutes to the hour. |
| pingasunut tanneq pingasunngorpoq | a quater past three | From pingasut 'three'. The logic is the same: If the longest clock-hand is pointing to 3, then it is a quater past. |
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