p. m.
The English phrase "pm" is translated into Spanish as p. m.
The abbreviation p. m. is used in written text to indicate that a specific time occurs in the afternoon or evening, between noon and midnight, functioning similarly to its use in English.
Did you know?
- While p. m. is used in writing, Spanish speakers rarely say 'p. m.' aloud. Instead, they use phrases like de la tarde for afternoon and de la noche for evening to clarify the time.
- Spanish has no single word for 'afternoon' that covers the entire p. m. period. It splits the time into tarde and noche, reflecting a cultural distinction between daylight and darkness.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the 24-hour clock is the standard for official schedules, bus tickets and flight times. In these contexts, p. m. is completely omitted because 15:00 is always afternoon.
Examples in context
- La entrega se realizará a las 18:00.The delivery will take place at 18:00 (6:00 PM).
- La cita es a las 3:00 p. m.The appointment is at 3:00 p. m.
- Terminamos la clase a las 5:30 p. m.We finish the class at 5:30 p. m.
- El concierto empieza a las 8:00 p. m.The concert starts at 8:00 p. m.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing their plans for the evening.
- Elena¿A qué hora es la cena, Javier?What time is dinner, Javier?
- JavierEs a las 7:00 p. m.It is at 7:00 p. m.
- ElenaPerfecto, estaré allí a esa hora.Perfect, I will be there at that time.
- JavierTe veo pronto, Elena.See you soon, Elena.
