Spanish Telling Time Phrases
Master 8 essential Spanish phrases for telling-time with translations, context, and usage examples
Understanding Spanish telling-time Phrases
Learn to tell time in Spanish using "ser" conjugations, time expressions, and phrases for schedules. Master asking and telling the time in various contexts.
When to Use These Phrases
Use "ser" for time: "Es la una" (It's 1:00 - singular), "Son las dos" (It's 2:00 - plural). Add "de la mañana/tarde/noche" to clarify AM/PM. 24-hour format common in schedules (14:00 = 2:00 PM).
Learning Tips for telling-time Phrases
- Basic: "¿Qué hora es?" (What time is it?) → "Es la/Son las + number"
- Minutes: "y + minutes" (past), "menos + minutes" (to the hour)
- Special: "y cuarto" (quarter past), "y media" (half past), "menos cuarto" (quarter to)
- Schedules: learn 24-hour format (común in Spain/Latin America)
Essential telling-time Phrases
Start with these commonly used expressions for telling-time situations
Complete List of telling-time Phrases
In the afternoon
por la tarde
in the morning
por la mañana
It is two thirty
Son las dos y media
Last night
Anoche
This morning
Esta mañana
Tomorrow morning
Mañana por la mañana
What time is it?
¿Qué hora es?
What time is the next bus?
¿A qué hora sale el próximo autobús?
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish telling-time Phrases
How do you tell time in Spanish?
Ask: "¿Qué hora es?" Tell: "Es la una" (It's 1:00 - singular for one), "Son las dos/tres/etc." (It's 2:00/3:00/etc.). Minutes: "Son las tres y diez" (3:10), "Son las cuatro menos veinte" (3:40/20 to 4). Quarter/half: "y cuarto" (quarter past), "y media" (half past).
How do you say AM and PM in Spanish?
Use "de la mañana" (in the morning/AM - until noon), "de la tarde" (in the afternoon/PM - until sunset ~7-8pm), "de la noche" (at night/PM - after sunset). Example: "Son las tres de la tarde" (It's 3:00 PM). Or use 24-hour format: "15:00" (3:00 PM).
What are common time expressions in Spanish?
"A tiempo" (on time), "Tarde" (late), "Temprano" (early), "A las + time" (at + time): "a las cinco" (at 5:00), "En punto" (o'clock/sharp): "a las dos en punto" (at 2:00 sharp), "Más o menos" (approximately), "Media hora" (half hour).
Have more questions about learning Spanish phrases? Browse our complete phrase guide or explore our learning resources.
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