Greetings! If you’re looking to learn how to say “PM” in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of expressing “PM” in Spanish. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal ways to say PM:
If you need to express “PM” formally in Spanish, you have a couple of options:
a) Por la tarde:
This is a common way to indicate “PM” in formal contexts. It translates as “in the afternoon.” Here’s an example:
Estaré disponible a partir de las 2:00 pm por la tarde.
Translation: “I will be available starting at 2:00 PM in the afternoon.”
b) Por la noche:
Another formal option is to use “por la noche,” meaning “in the evening.” Here’s an example:
La reunión se llevará a cabo a las 8:00 pm por la noche.
Translation: “The meeting will take place at 8:00 PM in the evening.”
2. Informal ways to say PM:
If you’re in a casual setting, there are different expressions used to indicate “PM” in Spanish:
a) De la tarde:
Informally, “de la tarde” can be used to express “in the afternoon.” Here’s an example:
Nos encontraremos en el parque a las 4:00 pm de la tarde.
Translation: “We’ll meet at the park at 4:00 PM in the afternoon.”
b) De la noche:
Similarly, “de la noche” can be used to mean “in the evening” in informal contexts. Here’s an example:
La fiesta comenzará a las 9:00 pm de la noche.
Translation: “The party will start at 9:00 PM in the evening.”
3. Regional variations:
While the above options are widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, there can be slight variations in different countries or regions. Let’s look at a few examples:
a) South America:
In some South American countries, “pm” is occasionally substituted with “de la tarde” or “de la noche” in formal contexts. For example:
El vuelo sale a las 6:00 pm de la tarde.
Translation: “The flight departs at 6:00 PM in the afternoon.”
b) Spain:
In Spain, it’s common to use a 24-hour format, which avoids the need for “PM” altogether. However, if you want to specify “in the afternoon” or “in the evening,” you can use the following expressions:
- Por la tarde: Equivalent to “in the afternoon.”
- Por la noche: Equivalent to “in the evening.”
4. Additional tips:
To help you effectively express “PM” in Spanish, here are some extra tips:
a) Use 24-hour format:
When possible, it’s advisable to use the 24-hour format in formal contexts. This avoids any confusion or ambiguity. For example:
La entrega se realizará a las 18:00.
Translation: “The delivery will take place at 18:00 (6:00 PM).”
b) Familiarize yourself with local customs:
If you’re traveling to a specific Spanish-speaking country or region, it’s always helpful to familiarize yourself with local customs. This will ensure you use the appropriate expression for “PM” in that specific context.
In conclusion,
Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, you now have multiple options for expressing “PM” in Spanish. Remember, it’s “por la tarde” or “por la noche” for formal situations, and “de la tarde” or “de la noche” for informal ones. Additionally, be aware of regional variations and consider using the 24-hour format when appropriate. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
