Inklingo

am

ah-em-eh/a ˈeme/

am means a.m. in Spanish (time of day).

a.m.

Also: morning
NounmA1
SpainLatin America
A bright yellow sun rising over green rolling hills with a clear blue sky.

📝 In Action

El tren sale a las 8 am.

A1

The train leaves at 8 am.

Tengo una reunión a las 10:30 am.

A1

I have a meeting at 10:30 am.

La tienda abre temprano, a las 7 am.

A2

The store opens early, at 7 am.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • de la mañana (in the morning)
  • de la madrugada (in the early morning/middle of the night)

Antonyms

  • pm (p.m.)
  • de la tarde (in the afternoon)

Common Collocations

  • 12 amMidnight
  • a las [número] amat [number] am
  • 9:00 am en punto9:00 am sharp

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "am" in Spanish:

morning

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: am

Question 1 of 3

What does 'am' stand for in its original Latin form?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Latin phrase 'ante meridiem,' which literally means 'before the middle of the day' (before midday).

First recorded: 17th century (in technical and scientific contexts)

Cognates (Related words)

English: a.m.Portuguese: a.m.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use dots like 'a.m.'?

Formally, yes ('a. m.'). However, in digital formats, text messages, and casual signs, 'am' is very common and perfectly understood.

What is the difference between 'am' and 'madrugada'?

'am' covers everything from midnight to noon. 'Madrugada' specifically refers to the 'early morning' hours when most people are still asleep (roughly 1 am to 6 am).

Is 'am' used in all Spanish-speaking countries?

Yes, it is a universal time marker in Spanish, though local preferences for the 12-hour or 24-hour clock vary by country.