es la una de la madrugada
/es la una de la madɾuɡada/from spelling rules
To say "it is one in the morning" in Spanish, use es la una de la madrugada.
This phrase tells the time when it is 1:00 a.m.
What does it mean word for word?
The part de la madrugada literally translates to "of the early morning" or "of the dawn", which specifies that the time belongs to the small hours of the morning.
How does it change in a sentence?
When stating the time in Spanish, most hours use the plural verb son (for example, son las dos). However, the hour one uses the singular verb es because una is singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/es la una de la madɾuɡada/
Did you know?
- If you use madrugada to describe an appointment, you are implying it is an absurdly early hour. It carries a stronger connotation of 'the middle of the night' than the English 'early morning'.
- The noun madrugada describes a specific period of time, but it is also the basis for the verb madrugar, which means 'to wake up very early'.
- The word una is a feminine form because it refers to the singular noun hora, which is implied even if not spoken.
Examples in context
- En Argentina, es la una de la madrugada.In Argentina, it is one in the morning.
- No puedo dormir porque es la una de la madrugada.I cannot sleep because it is one in the morning.
- Mira el reloj, es la una de la madrugada.Look at the clock, it is one in the morning.
- ¡Qué tarde! Ya es la una de la madrugada.How late! It is already one in the morning.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are working late at home.
- Sofía¿Sabes qué hora es, Daniel?Do you know what time it is, Daniel?
- DanielSí, es la una de la madrugada.Yes, it is one in the morning.
- SofíaEs demasiado tarde para seguir trabajando.It is too late to keep working.
- DanielTienes razón, Sofía, vamos a dormir.You are right, Sofía, let's go to sleep.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
