Telling Time in Spanish: A Guide for Beginners

Understanding the Basics of Time in Spanish

In Spanish, telling time revolves around the verb ser (to be) and specific vocabulary for hours, minutes, and parts of the day. Unlike English, Spanish uses a 12-hour clock format, often accompanied by a.m. (de la mañana) and p.m. (de la tarde or de la noche).

Key Vocabulary for Telling Time

How to Say Hours in Spanish

To express the hour in Spanish, use es la for 1 o'clock and son las for all other hours. For example, Es la una (It is one o'clock) and Son las dos (It is two o'clock).

Examples of Hours

Adding Minutes to the Hour

To include minutes, simply add the word y (and) followed by the number of minutes. For example, Son las tres y diez (It is 3:10). For the half-hour mark, use y media, and for the quarter-hour mark, use y cuarto.

Examples of Hours with Minutes

Expressing Time Before the Hour

To express time before the hour, use the word menos (minus) followed by the number of minutes. For example, Son las cinco menos diez (It is 4:50).

Examples of Time Before the Hour

Common Phrases and Questions About Time

Here are some common phrases and questions you might encounter when discussing time in Spanish:

Practice Exercises for Telling Time

To master telling time in Spanish, practice is essential. Try translating the following times into Spanish:

1. 2:15
2. 6:30
3. 11:45
4. 7:05
5. 12:00 (noon)

Check your answers with the examples provided earlier in this guide!