Greetings! If you’re looking to learn how to say “twelve PM” in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express this specific time of day in the Spanish language.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Twelve PM in Spanish
When it comes to expressing a formal time in Spanish, you typically use the 24-hour clock system. To say “twelve PM” formally, you would use the following phrases:
1. “Son las doce del mediodía.”
This translation literally means “It is twelve noon.” It is a commonly used formal expression for 12 PM in Spanish. Remember to use the feminine definite article “las” before “doce” to indicate the plural form.
Example: Son las doce del mediodía. (It is twelve noon.)
2. “Es la una de la tarde.”
While “esa” technically means “one,” it is used to convey “one o’clock” specifically. When telling the time in a formal setting, “esa” is preceded by the singular feminine definite article “la.”
Example: Es la una de la tarde. (It is one o’clock in the afternoon.)
Informal Ways to Say Twelve PM in Spanish
Moving on to the informal ways of expressing noon in Spanish, you have a couple of options:
1. “Son las doce de la mañana.”
In a casual context, you can replace “del mediodía” with “de la mañana” to indicate noon. This phrase literally translates to “It is twelve in the morning.”
Example: Son las doce de la mañana. (It is twelve in the morning.)
2. “Es la una de la tarde.”
Just as in the formal expression, you can use “Es la una de la tarde” informally as well. It carries the same meaning of “It is one o’clock in the afternoon.”
Example: Es la una de la tarde. (It is one o’clock in the afternoon.)
Tips and Regional Variations
Here are some additional tips and regional variations that may help you further understand and navigate the expressions for telling time in Spanish:
1. Context Matters
Remember, context is crucial in determining whether you should use formal or informal expressions. Consider the setting and the level of formality required.
Tip: If in doubt, it’s generally safer to lean toward a more formal expression, especially when addressing someone older or in a professional setting.
2. Regional Variations
While the previously mentioned phrases are widely understood across the Spanish-speaking world, it is worth noting that regional variations do exist.
In some Latin American countries, the expression “de la tarde” is replaced with “de la tarde en punto” to emphasize the exact hour. However, this is not a common variation, and using “de la tarde” is perfectly acceptable in most situations.
3. Differences in Time Phrases
In certain regions, such as Spain, it is common to use “mediodía” specifically to refer to noon, while “mañana” primarily denotes the morning before noon.
However, in Latin America, “mediodía” is often used more broadly to describe the entire period from late morning until early afternoon.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to express “twelve PM” both formally and informally in Spanish. Remember to adapt your choice of phrases based on the level of formality required and keep in mind any regional variations.
By mastering these time expressions, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and in a culturally appropriate manner while discussing time in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
