Why Do We Need AM and PM?
To avoid confusion about whether a time refers to the morning or afternoon, we use AM and PM. AM and PM in Spanish AM stands for “Ante Meridiem” (before midday) and PM for “Post Meridiem” (after midday).

The 12-Hour Clock
The 12-hour clock is the most common way to tell time in many countries. It divides the day into two 12-hour periods:
- AM:
- From 12:00 midnight to 12:00 noon
- PM:
- From 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight
The 24-Hour Clock
The 24-hour clock is used in many places, especially for official and military time. It numbers the hours from 00:00 to 23:00.
How Spanish Handles Time
Unlike English, Spanish doesn’t use AM and PM. Instead, it has a different system to indicate the time of day.
No AM or PM in Spanish
As mentioned, Spanish doesn’t use AM or PM. This might seem strange at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it.
Using “de la mañana”, “de la tarde”, and “de la noche”
To specify the time of day in Spanish, you use these phrases:
- de la mañana: in the morning
- de la tarde: in the afternoon
- de la noche: at night
Other Time Expressions
Besides the phrases above, there are other ways to express time in Spanish:
- Mediodía:
- midday (12:00 PM)
- Medianoche:
- midnight (12:00 AM)
Examples of AM and PM in Spanish
Let’s see how to say different times in Spanish:
Morning Examples
- 7:30 AM:
- Son las siete y media de la mañana.
- 10:15 AM:
- Son las diez y cuarto de la mañana.

Afternoon Examples
- 2:45 PM:
- Son las dos y cuarto de la tarde.
- 5:00 PM:
- Son las cinco de la tarde.
Evening Examples
- 7:30 PM:
- Son las siete y media de la noche.
- 9:15 PM:
- Son las nueve y cuarto de la noche.
Night Examples
- 12:00 AM:
- Es medianoche.
- 3:00 AM:
- Son las tres de la mañana.
Tips for Remembering AM and PM in Spanish
Understanding the Concept:
- No AM or PM:
The first step is to fully grasp that Spanish doesn’t use AM and PM. This might feel odd at first, but it’s crucial.
- Focus on Time Periods:
Instead, concentrate on the time period of the day: morning, afternoon, or night.
Building Your Vocabulary:
- Key Phrases:
Learn the essential phrases: “de la mañana” (in the morning), “de la tarde” (in the afternoon), and “de la noche” (at night).
- Additional Words:
Expand your vocabulary with words like “mediodía” (midday) and “medianoche” (midnight).
- Practice Regularly:
Use these words in sentences and conversations to reinforce your memory.

Creating Associations:
- Visualize:
Imagine different activities happening at different times of the day. For example, picture yourself eating breakfast in the morning (mañana), playing outside in the afternoon (tarde), and sleeping at night (noche).
- Connect with Routine:
Relate the Spanish time phrases to your daily routine. This personal connection can strengthen your memory.
Using Memory Techniques:
- Flashcards:
Create flashcards with the Spanish time phrases on one side and their English equivalents on the other. Test yourself regularly.
- Mnemonics:
Develop creative memory aids. For instance, you could associate “mañana” with the morning sun or “tarde” with a late afternoon snack.
- Spaced Repetition:
Review the information at increasing intervals to reinforce your memory over time.
Practice, Practice, Practice:
- Immerse Yourself:
Watch Spanish-language shows or movies to hear how native speakers use time expressions.
- Speak Spanish:
Find a language partner or practice with friends to improve your fluency and confidence.
- Online Resources:
Utilize online quizzes and games to make learning fun and interactive.

Patience and Persistence:
- Be Patient:
Learning a new language takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t remember everything right away.
- Stay Consistent:
Regular practice is key to mastering Spanish time expressions.
- Celebrate Small Wins:
Reward yourself for your progress to stay motivated.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! AM and PM in Spanish might seem a bit tricky at first because we don’t use AM and PM in spanish . But once you get the hang of using phrases like “de la mañana”, “de la tarde”, and “de la noche”, you’ll be a time-telling superstar in no time. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try saying different times out loud. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
faqs
1.Why don’t Spanish people use AM and PM?
That’s a great question! Spanish doesn’t have words for AM and PM. Instead, they use phrases to tell the time of day. It’s like they have a different way of looking at time!
2.What’s the best way to remember the difference between “de la mañana”, “de la tarde”, and “de la noche”?
Think of your day! De la mañana is when you wake up and eat breakfast. De la tarde is when you play outside or do homework. And de la noche is when you eat dinner and go to bed.
3. Can I use the 24-hour clock in Spanish?
Absolutely! Many people use the 24-hour clock in Spanish, especially for formal things like schedules or train times. So, don’t be surprised if you see numbers like 15:00 instead of 3 PM.
4. What time is “medianoche”?
“Medianoche” means midnight. It’s the end of one day and the start of the next!
5. Is there a difference between “por la mañana” and “de la mañana”?
Great question! They’re pretty similar, but “por la mañana” is more general, like saying “in the morning”. “De la mañana” is more specific, like saying “at 7 in the morning”.