es la una
/es la una/from spelling rules
The phrase "it is one o'clock" in Spanish is es la una.
This phrase is used specifically to state that the current time is 1:00.
Which one should you use?
You should use es la una specifically for 1:00, but for all other hours from 2:00 onwards, you must use the plural form son las [number].
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the singular verb es because the hour is singular. The word for one is feminine, la una, because it refers to la hora (the hour).
How do you pronounce it?
/es la una/
Did you know?
- The word una shares a common ancestor with the English word 'one' through the Proto-Indo-European root óynos.
- When referring to 1:00 AM or 1:00 PM, Spanish speakers often add de la madrugada for the early morning or de la tarde for the afternoon to avoid ambiguity.
- In some regions, if someone asks the time and it is almost 1:00, they might say falta un minuto para la una instead of simply saying es la una.
Examples in context
- Es la una. ¿Podemos empezar la reunión?It is one o'clock. Can we start the meeting?
- La una. ¿Nos encontramos para almorzar?It's one o'clock. Shall we meet for lunch?
- ¿Qué hora es?What time is it?
- Mira el reloj, es la una.Look at the clock, it is one o'clock.
- No te preocupes, es la una en punto.Don't worry, it is one o'clock sharp.
- Apenas es la una y ya tienes sueño.It is only one o'clock and you are already sleepy.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are checking the time during their lunch break.
- SofíaMateo, ¿sabes qué hora es?Mateo, do you know what time it is?
- MateoSí, es la una.Yes, it is one o'clock.
- Sofía¡Qué rápido pasa el tiempo!How fast time flies!
- MateoEs verdad, Sofía.It's true, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, la, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
