How to tell Time in Spanish for Early Learners

Learning a new language can be a fun and exciting experience, especially for young learners who are eager to explore the world around them. One essential skill in any language is telling time, and Spanish is no exception. For early learners, telling time in Spanish can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be easily mastered. In this article, we will explore the basics of how to tell time in Spanish, specifically designed for young learners. From the different types of clocks to the vocabulary needed to express time, we will cover everything your child needs to know to get started. So, whether your child is starting Spanish lessons in school or simply wants to learn a new skill, this guide will provide them with the necessary tools to tell time like a pro in no time.

The Basics of Telling Time in Spanish

Before diving into the details of telling time in Spanish, it’s essential to understand the basics. Unlike English, Spanish has two words for “hour”: hora and hora del reloj. Hora is used to refer to a general time of day, while hora del reloj is used to refer to a specific time on a clock. Additionally, Spanish uses a 24-hour clock, which means that there are no a.m. or p.m. designations. Instead, the time is expressed in military time, where the hours are counted from 0 to 24.

To tell time in Spanish, you need to know the Spanish numbers from 1 to 12. The numbers from 1 to 10 are relatively easy to learn, but the numbers from 11 to 12 can be a bit tricky. Here’s a quick guide to the Spanish numbers for telling time:

1 – uno
2 – dos
3 – tres
4 – cuatro
5 – cinco
6 – seis
7 – siete
8 – ocho
9 – nueve
10 – diez
11 – once
12 – doce

It’s essential to practice these numbers with your child until they become familiar with them. You can use flashcards or other interactive games to make learning fun and engaging.

Telling Time in Spanish Using “Son las” and “Es la”

In Spanish, there are two phrases used to tell time: “Son las” and “Es la.” “Son las” is used to refer to the hours, while “Es la” is used to refer to the hour when it’s exactly one o’clock. Additionally, Spanish uses the word “y” to connect the minutes to the hour.

To express the time in Spanish, you need to combine the hour, the word “y,” and the minutes. For example, to say “It’s 2:30,” you would say “Son las dos y treinta.” Here are some other examples:

It’s 3:15 – Son las tres y quince
It’s 5:45 – Son las cinco y cuarenta y cinco
It’s 8:20 – Son las ocho y veinte

It’s essential to practice these phrases with your child until they are comfortable using them. You can also use a clock to help your child visualize the time as they practice.

Common Spanish Phrases for Telling Time

In addition to the phrases “Son las” and “Es la,” there are several other common phrases used to tell time in Spanish. Here are some examples:

¿Qué hora es? – What time is it?
¿A qué hora? – At what time?
Mediodía – Noon
Medianoche – Midnight
De la mañana – In the morning
De la tarde – In the afternoon
De la noche – In the evening

These phrases can be used in various situations and are essential for your child to learn as they practice telling time in Spanish.

Using the 24-Hour Clock in Spanish

As mentioned earlier, Spanish uses the 24-hour clock, which means that there are no a.m. or p.m. designations. Instead, the time is expressed in military time, where the hours are counted from 0 to 24.

To use the 24-hour clock in Spanish, you need to add 12 to the hour if it’s after midday. For example, if it’s 3 p.m., you would add 12 to 3 and get 15. So, the military time for 3 p.m. is 15:00. Here are some other examples:

8 a.m. – 08:00
12 p.m. – 12:00
3 p.m. – 15:00
7 p.m. – 19:00

It’s essential to practice using the 24-hour clock with your child until they are comfortable with it.

Telling Time in Spanish with Digital Clocks

While analog clocks are still prevalent, digital clocks have become increasingly popular in recent years. To tell time in Spanish using a digital clock, you need to use the same phrases as with an analog clock. However, instead of using the Spanish numbers, you need to use the Arabic numerals.

For example, to say “It’s 2:30” with a digital clock, you would say “Son las 2:30.” Here are some other examples:

It’s 3:15 – Son las 3:15
It’s 5:45 – Son las 5:45
It’s 8:20 – Son las 8:20

It’s crucial to practice telling time with both analog and digital clocks to help your child become more comfortable with both formats.

Spanish Vocabulary for Daily Routines

Telling time in Spanish is an essential skill, but it’s also important to understand the vocabulary associated with daily routines. Here are some common Spanish phrases that your child should learn:

Despertarse – To wake up
Levantarse – To get up
Duchar – To shower
Vestirse – To get dressed
Desayunar – To have breakfast
Ir al colegio – To go to school
Comer – To eat
Hacer la tarea – To do homework
Cenar – To have dinner
Dormir – To sleep

By learning these phrases, your child will be able to express their daily routine in Spanish, making their language learning journey more exciting and engaging.

Spanish Resources for Learning to Tell Time

Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but there are many resources available to help make the process easier. Here are some Spanish resources that your child can use to practice telling time:

Duolingo – A popular language learning app that uses game-like activities to teach Spanish.
SpanishDict – An online Spanish dictionary that provides definitions, translations, and examples.
FluentU – A language learning platform that uses real-world videos to teach Spanish.
KidSpeak Spanish – A language learning program designed specifically for young learners.

By using these resources, your child can practice telling time in Spanish and improve their overall language skills.

Wrapping up

Telling time in Spanish is an essential skill that every young learner should master. By understanding the basics of telling time, using the correct phrases, and learning the associated vocabulary, your child will be able to express time in Spanish like a pro. Practice makes perfect, so be sure to engage your child in fun and interactive activities to help them master this essential language skill. With the right approach and resources, your child’s language learning journey will be fun, engaging, and rewarding.