How to Tell Time in Spanish Fast & Easy
Have you ever felt lost trying to figure out how to tell time in Spanish?
Well don’t worry – it’s easier than you 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:
How to Tell Time in Spanish Video
The Basics: Uno a Doce
First things first, when it comes to learning how to tell time in Spanish, you need to familiarize yourself with the numbers 1 through 12 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 Progress
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 time in Spanish
Remember, when it comes to how to tell time in Spanish, it’s all about keeping it simple. Once you’ve got the hang of the numbers 1 through 12, then telling time in Spanish is a breeze. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just relax, practice, and soon enough it’ll become second nature to you. 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.”
Subscribe Now for more Spanish Learning Tips