Time in Spanish is specified using the 12-hour clock system, with the addition of “a.m.” or “p.m.” after the time, and using the words “y” (and) and “menos” (minus) to indicate the minutes.
So let us examine the query more closely
When it comes to specifying time in Spanish, it is important to understand the 12-hour clock system and the use of “a.m.” and “p.m.” In Spanish, a.m. (Ante Meridiem) translates to “antes del mediodía” and p.m. (Post Meridiem) translates to “después del mediodía.” For example, 9:00 a.m. would be “las nueve de la mañana” while 9:00 p.m. would be “las nueve de la noche.”
In addition to the use of a.m. and p.m., conjunctions are also commonly used to indicate the exact time. The word “y” is used to signify “and,” while “menos” is used to represent “minus” or “less.” For instance, 3:45 p.m. would be “las tres cuarenta y cinco de la tarde,” while 7:30 a.m. would be “las siete y media de la mañana.”
According to SpanishDict.com, “telling time in Spanish is relatively easy and follows straightforward rules.” However, it is important to note variations in different Spanish-speaking countries. For instance, in Mexico, it is common to use “cuarto” to mean 15 minutes after an hour. So 7:15 would be “las siete y cuarto.” Additionally, in Spain, it is common to use military time instead of the 12-hour clock.
In summary, understanding the 12-hour clock and the use of “a.m.” and “p.m.” is necessary when specifying time in Spanish. The use of conjunctions such as “y” and “menos” is also essential to indicate the exact time. Time-telling rules can vary across Spanish-speaking countries, so it is important to be aware of these variations.
As the Spanish proverb goes, “El tiempo es un juez tan sabio, que no sentencia de inmediato pero al final da la razón a quien la tiene.” (Time is such a wise judge that it doesn’t deliver the verdict immediately but ultimately it favors those who are right.)
Below is a table to help understand the different ways of telling time in Spanish:
| Time | Spanish Expression |
|---|---|
| 1:00 | La una |
| 2:00 | Las dos |
| 3:00 | Las tres |
| 4:00 | Las cuatro |
| 5:00 | Las cinco |
| 6:00 | Las seis |
| 7:00 | Las siete |
| 8:00 | Las ocho |
| 9:00 | Las nueve |
| 10:00 | Las diez |
| 11:00 | Las once |
| 12:00 | Las doce |
Answer in video
This video teaches how to tell time in Spanish, starting with the basic question “¿Qué hora es?” to which responses include phrases like “es la una” for 1 o’clock and “son las dos” for 2 o’clock. Adding minutes is done by using “y” for “and” before the minute number, with examples like “es la una y diez” for 1:10 and “son las cuatro y media” for 4:30. Phrases like “de la madrugada” and “de la tarde” specify the time of day, and “en” or “por” are used instead of “de” when not specifying a specific time. An example of telling time in Spanish is provided, and the video recommends two additional videos for more learning and practice.
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The simplest formula is es/son + las + hour + number of minutes. For example, if you want to say that it’s 3:29, you’ll say son las tres veintinueve.