How to tell the time in Spanish? It’s Real Simple

Have you ever felt lost trying to figure out How to tell the time in Spanish?
Well don’t worry; it’s simpler than you might think! Let’s break it down step by step, so you can confidently tell time like a pro.

Follow along with the video for best results:

The Basics: Uno a Doce

First things first, familiarize yourself with the numbers one through twelve in Spanish: uno a doce. These are the building blocks of telling time.

Es la una…

When the clock strikes one, it’s time to say “es la una.” This phrase is your starting point for telling time in Spanish.

…Son las dos, son las tres…

After one o’clock, it’s smooth sailing. Just add “son las” before the number of the hour: son las dos, son las tres, and so on, up to twelve.

AM vs. PM

Now, what about distinguishing between morning and afternoon? It’s easy! For A.M., you can say “de la mañana,” and for P.M., you can use “de la trade. (or de la noche if after 7 PM generally)” For instance, if it’s 1:00 AM, you’d say “Es la una de la mañana,” and if it’s 1:00 PM, it’s “Es la una de la tarde.”

Keep It Simple

While technically correct, adding “de la mañana” or “de la tarde” isn’t always necessary. Context often makes it clear whether you’re referring to morning or afternoon. So feel free to omit these phrases if it feels natural in the conversation.

Practice Makes Perfect

The key to mastering Spanish time is practice. Get comfortable with the numbers and practice telling time in different contexts. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

Closing thoughts about how to tell the time in Spanish

Remember, it’s all about keeping it simple. Once you’ve got the hang of the numbers one through twelve, telling time in Spanish is a breeze. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just relax, practice, and soon enough, it’ll become second nature. With just a little practice, you’ll be effortlessly navigating time conversations like a native speaker.

So go ahead and give it a try.
Don’t be shy — Remember: “You don’t have to be perfect, just good enough.”

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