una y media de la tarde
/una i medja de la taɾde/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'one thirty pm' is translated into Spanish as una y media de la tarde.
You use una y media de la tarde to express the time that is thirty minutes after one o'clock in the afternoon. To specify that it is the afternoon (PM) rather than the morning, you include de la tarde. In some contexts, the 24-hour format '13:30' can also be used to express this time in Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase una y media literally means 'one and a half', where media refers to the half-hour mark.
Which one should you use?
La una y media is the more common, idiomatic way to say one thirty, whereas la una y treinta is more formal or precise.
How does it change in a sentence?
When stating the time in a full sentence, the feminine article la is used before una because hora (hour) is feminine.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying una y media might be an invitation to a late lunch. The main meal of the day is often eaten between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
- The word tarde is used for both 'afternoon' and 'late'. This reflects a Latin root that links the time of day with the idea of being tardy or slow.
- While una y media refers to the time, the word media also refers to a 'half-pipe' in sports or a 'medium' size in clothing.
Examples in context
- La reunión comenzará a la una y treinta de la tarde.The meeting will start at one thirty PM.
- La cita es a la una y media de la tarde.The appointment is at one thirty PM.
- Quedamos en encontrarnos a la una y media de la tarde.We agreed to meet at one thirty PM.
- Pasa por casa a la una y treinta de la tarde.Stop by my house at one thirty PM.
- Nos vemos a la una y media de la tarde.We will see each other at one thirty pm.
- Almuerzo siempre a la una y media de la tarde.I always eat lunch at one thirty pm.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are coordinating a meeting time.
- Elena¿A qué hora es la reunión?What time is the meeting?
- DanielEs a la una y media de la tarde.It is at one thirty pm.
- ElenaPerfecto, allí estaré.Perfect, I will be there.
- DanielTe veo entonces, Elena.I'll see you then, Elena.
