Tell Time in Spanish: Easy Beginner's Guide

By Karla Sánchez

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April 01, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Asking for the time in Spanish

How to tell time in Spanish

Time vocabulary you need to know

Talking about daily schedules

Best practices and tips for learners

Cultural note: Time perception in Spanish-speaking cultures

Conclusion: Master the clock, master conversation

Introduction

Knowing basic Spanish phrases for everyday conversations, especially how to tell time in Spanish is essential for beginners. It helps when you make a reservation, catch a train, or plan your day. Mastering Spanish numbers 1–100 to help with telling time and counting minutes will greatly improve your ability to navigate daily routines and schedules.

It’s a practical topic that builds your time vocabulary, improves sentence structure, and gets you speaking from day one.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to ask for the time in Spanish. You’ll also read a clock (Spanish clock reading), use Spanish time expressions, and describe your daily schedule in Spanish. Each topic features simple explanations, real-world examples, and cultural notes to keep it interesting.

Asking for the time in Spanish

The most common way to asking for the time in Spanish is:

¿Qué hora es?: What time is it?

A polite way to ask a stranger or someone in a formal setting might be:

¿Tiene hora, por favor?: Do you have the time, please?

How to tell time in Spanish

Spanish uses a 12-hour clock in conversation, though the 24-hour format is common in writing (like schedules or timetables). The phrase “Es la…” is only for 1 o’clock. Use “Son las…” for all other hours and minutes.

Full hours

• Es la una: It’s one o’clock.

• Son las tres: It’s three o’clock.

• Son las ocho: It’s eight o’clock.

Minutes past the hour

• Son las dos y cinco: It’s 2:05.

• Son las cuatro y veinte: It’s 4:20.

• Son las siete y media: It’s 7:30 (media = half past). (time in Spanish media = half past).

Minutes to the hour

• Son las tres menos cuarto: It’s 2:45 (literally “three minus a quarter”).

• Son las cinco menos diez: It’s 4:50.

Tip: Use cuarto for “a quarter” and media for “half”.

Time vocabulary you need to know

Here’s a list of useful time vocabulary and phrases:

• hora: hour

• minuto: minute

• segundo: second

• en punto: on the dot (e.g., Son las seis en punto.)

• media: half (30 minutes)

• cuarto: quarter (15 minutes)

• de la mañana: in the morning

• de la tarde: in the afternoon

• de la noche: in the evening/night

• a la una: at one o’clock

• a las dos: at two o’clock (use las for all times except one)

Talking about daily schedules

Being able to describe your routine is a great way to practice telling time in Spanish.

Common phrases:

• ¿A qué hora…?: At what time…? (time questions)

• Tengo clase a las nueve.: I have class at 9.

• Desayuno a las ocho.: I eat breakfast at 8.

• Trabajo de nueve a cinco.: I work from 9 to 5.

Sample schedule (in Spanish):

• Me despierto a las seis.: I wake up at 6.

• Voy al trabajo a las ocho.: I go to work at 8.

• Almuerzo a la una.: I have lunch at 1.

• Regreso a casa a las seis.: I return home at 6.

• Ceno a las ocho y media.: I have dinner at 8:30.

Best practices and tips for learners

Practice every day: Look at a clock and tell time Spanish out loud in Spanish.
Listen to native speakers: Use podcasts or YouTube to hear natural pronunciation.
Write your daily routine: Describe it in Spanish using Spanish time and Spanish time expressions.
Use flashcards: Create flashcards for time expressions and test yourself regularly.
Use an interactive clock: Online Spanish clock reading apps can help you visualize time.

Cultural note: Time perception in Spanish-speaking cultures

In many Spanish-speaking countries, people view time more flexibly, especially during social events. In business and school, being on time is important. But at casual gatherings, people usually see arriving 10–15 minutes late as okay.

Understanding the culture behind the language helps you not just speak it—but live it.

Conclusion: Master the clock, master conversation

Learning how to tell the time in Spanish for beginners is a key step for every beginner. It gives you the power to schedule appointments, ask questions (time questions), describe routines, and navigate real-life situations. Practice the phrases, repeat the examples, and start using them in daily conversations.

Ready to take it further? Comligo offers live online Spanish classes with native-speaking teachers. They help you practice key skills, like telling time in Spanish, through real conversations and much more.

Karla Sánchez

Academic Team

Karla Sánchez is a passionate Spanish teacher from Mexico with over 20 years of experience teaching learners of all ages. Known for her energy and love of culture, she brings joy and enthusiasm to every class. Karla loves dancing, singing, reading, and helping students discover the fun in Spanish learning.