At What Time Is in Spanish? Master the Art of Telling Time Fluently

Introduction

Learning at what time is in Spanish is a crucial skill for effective communication in the Spanish-speaking world. Whether you're planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country or interacting with Spanish-speaking colleagues, knowing how to tell the time accurately is essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Telling Time in Spanish

1. Basic Vocabulary

Spanish Word	English Translation
hora	hour
minuto	minute
segundo	second
mediodía	noon
medianoche	midnight
y	and

2. Telling the Hour

To tell the hour in Spanish, simply use the number followed by the word "hora."

Spanish Phrase	English Translation
Son las dos	It's two o'clock
Es la una	It's one o'clock

3. Telling the Minutes

To tell the minutes, use the following phrases:

Minutes	Spanish Phrase
1-15	pasadas las
16-29	y
30	y media
31-44	menos veintitantos
45	menos cuarto
46-59	menos tantos

For example:

Spanish Phrase	English Translation
Son las tres y cinco	It's three oh five
Son las ocho menos cuarto	It's a quarter to eight

4. Telling the Time Together

To tell the time together, simply combine the hour and minutes phrases.

Spanish Phrase	English Translation
Son las cuatro y media	It's four thirty
Es la una menos veinte	It's twenty past one

Advanced Features

1. Using "en punto"

To emphasize that the time is exactly on the hour, use the phrase "en punto."

Spanish Phrase	English Translation
Son las seis en punto	It's six o'clock sharp

2. Using "y media" and "menos media"

To say "half past" and "half to," use "y media" and "menos media" respectively.

Spanish Phrase	English Translation
Son las diez y media	It's half past ten
Es la una menos media	It's half to one

3. Using "de la tarde" and "de la mañana"

To specify the time of day, add "de la tarde" (afternoon) or "de la mañana" (morning) after the time.

Spanish Phrase	English Translation
Son las dos de la tarde	It's two o'clock in the afternoon
Es la una de la mañana	It's one o'clock in the morning

FAQs About At What Time Is in Spanish**

1. Is it correct to say "Son las cinco de la mañana de la noche"?

No, this phrase is incorrect. "De la noche" means "in the night" and is used for times between sunset and midnight.

2. How do I say "five to four"?

To say "five to four," say "son las cuatro menos cinco."

Success Stories

1. María's Story

María was struggling to communicate effectively with her Spanish-speaking colleagues due to her inability to tell the time correctly. After learning the techniques described in this article, she significantly improved her confidence and communication skills.

2. John's Story

John, an avid traveler, wanted to explore the vibrant city of Madrid. By mastering at what time is in Spanish, he was able to navigate the city confidently, meeting locals and making the most of his trip.

3. Emily's Story

Emily, a student learning Spanish, found the information in this article invaluable. It provided her with the foundation she needed to excel in her Spanish classes and communicate fluently with her native Spanish-speaking friends.

At What Time Is in Spanish? Master the Art of Telling Time Fluently