Basic Vocabulary for Telling Time
To tell time in Spanish, you need to familiarize yourself with some key vocabulary. Here are the fundamental words and phrases:
Numbers 1 to 60
Understanding how to count in Spanish is imperative for telling time. Here are the numbers from 1 to 60, which are commonly used when discussing time:
1. Uno (1)
2. Dos (2)
3. Tres (3)
4. Cuatro (4)
5. Cinco (5)
6. Seis (6)
7. Siete (7)
8. Ocho (8)
9. Nueve (9)
10. Diez (10)
11. Once (11)
12. Doce (12)
13. Trece (13)
14. Catorce (14)
15. Quince (15)
16. Dieciséis (16)
17. Diecisiete (17)
18. Dieciocho (18)
19. Diecinueve (19)
20. Veinte (20)
21. Veintiuno (21)
22. Veintidós (22)
23. Veintitrés (23)
24. Veinticuatro (24)
25. Veinticinco (25)
26. Veintiséis (26)
27. Veintisiete (27)
28. Veintiocho (28)
29. Veintinueve (29)
30. Treinta (30)
31. Treinta y uno (31)
32. Treinta y dos (32)
33. Treinta y tres (33)
34. Treinta y cuatro (34)
35. Treinta y cinco (35)
36. Treinta y seis (36)
37. Treinta y siete (37)
38. Treinta y ocho (38)
39. Treinta y nueve (39)
40. Cuarenta (40)
41. Cuarenta y uno (41)
42. Cuarenta y dos (42)
43. Cuarenta y tres (43)
44. Cuarenta y cuatro (44)
45. Cuarenta y cinco (45)
46. Cuarenta y seis (46)
47. Cuarenta y siete (47)
48. Cuarenta y ocho (48)
49. Cuarenta y nueve (49)
50. Cincuenta (50)
51. Cincuenta y uno (51)
52. Cincuenta y dos (52)
53. Cincuenta y tres (53)
54. Cincuenta y cuatro (54)
55. Cincuenta y cinco (55)
56. Cincuenta y seis (56)
57. Cincuenta y siete (57)
58. Cincuenta y ocho (58)
59. Cincuenta y nueve (59)
60. Sesenta (60)
Key Time-Related Vocabulary
- Hora (Hour)
- Minuto (Minute)
- Segundo (Second)
- Mañana (Morning)
- Tarde (Afternoon)
- Noche (Night)
- Mediodía (Noon)
- Medianoche (Midnight)
- En punto (On the dot)
How to Structure Time in Spanish
Understanding the structure of telling time in Spanish is vital. The basic formula is:
Es la (It is) + [hour] + y (and) + [minutes] for times between 2:00 and 12:00.
For 1:00, the structure changes slightly:
Es la una (It is one) + y + [minutes].
For hours past the half hour, you use:
Son las (They are) + [next hour] + menos (minus) + [minutes until the next hour].
Examples of Telling Time
1. 2:00 - Son las dos.
2. 3:15 - Son las tres y quince.
3. 12:30 - Son las doce y media.
4. 1:45 - Es la una menos quince.
5. 5:50 - Son las seis menos diez.
Common Expressions Related to Time
In addition to the basic structure, there are several common expressions that will help you when telling time:
- A qué hora (At what time)
- ¿Qué hora es? (What time is it?)
- Es la hora de... (It’s time for...)
- Dentro de... (In ... [time])
- Faltan... (There are ... [time] left until...)
Practice Exercises for Telling Time
To solidify your understanding of telling time in Spanish, it is crucial to engage in practical exercises. Here are some suggestions:
Listening Exercises
1. Audio Clips: Listen to audio recordings of people telling the time in various formats. Repeat the phrases out loud to practice pronunciation.
2. Time-Related Dialogues: Find Spanish dialogues that include time references and practice speaking them.
Speaking Exercises
1. Partner Practice: Pair up with a fellow learner and take turns asking and responding to questions about time. For example:
- A: ¿Qué hora es?
- B: Son las tres y media.
2. Role Play: Create scenarios where telling time is necessary, such as planning a meeting or scheduling a meal.
Writing Exercises
1. Time Conversion: Write down times in English and convert them into Spanish. For instance, convert "4:45" into "Son las cinco menos quince."
2. Daily Schedule: Write a short paragraph about your daily routine, including specific times for each activity.
Online Quizzes and Games
Utilize online platforms that offer quizzes and games specifically designed for learning how to tell time in Spanish. These can be fun and interactive ways to practice.
Tips for Mastering Telling Time in Spanish
To efficiently master telling time in Spanish, consider the following tips:
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Set aside time each day to practice telling time.
- Use Visual Aids: Create flashcards with different times on one side and their Spanish equivalents on the other.
- Incorporate Technology: Use language-learning apps that focus on telling time. Many apps have interactive activities that can enhance your learning experience.
- Engage with Native Speakers: If possible, converse with native Spanish speakers and ask them to help you practice telling time in real-life situations.
- Record Yourself: Listen to your pronunciation by recording yourself telling time in Spanish. Compare with native speakers to identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
In summary, tell time in Spanish practice is an integral part of learning the language. By mastering the vocabulary, understanding the structure, and engaging in various exercises, you will become proficient in telling time in Spanish. Remember to practice consistently and make the learning process enjoyable. With dedication and effort, you will soon find yourself confidently navigating conversations that involve time in Spanish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spanish phrase for 'What time is it?'
The phrase is '¿Qué hora es?'.
How do you say 'It is 3 o'clock' in Spanish?
You say 'Son las tres'.
How do you express 'It's 5:15' in Spanish?
You would say 'Son las cinco y quince' or 'Son las cinco y cuarto'.
What is the Spanish term for 'half past' when telling time?
The term is 'y media'.
How do you say 'It's 7:45' in Spanish?
You would say 'Son las ocho menos cuarto'.
What is the phrase for 'It's noon' in Spanish?
You say 'Es mediodía'.
How do you express 'It's 2:30' in Spanish?
You would say 'Son las dos y media'.
What is the difference between 'de la mañana' and 'de la tarde'?
'De la mañana' refers to the morning, while 'de la tarde' refers to the afternoon.
