If you’re a native English speaker learning Portuguese, you might be surprised by the way locals tell time. While English sticks to the 12-hour clock, Portuguese speakers seamlessly switch between the 12-hour and 24-hour systems. Don’t worry, though – this guide will have you telling time like a true lusophone in no time!
12-Hour Clock in Portuguese: AM/PM with a Twist ☀️🌙
The 12-hour system in Portuguese is similar to what you’re used to, but with a few key differences:
- Instead of “AM” and “PM,” Portuguese uses “da manhã” (in the morning), “da tarde” (in the afternoon), and “da noite” (at night).
- The word for “o’clock” is “horas” in Portuguese.
Examples:
- 8:00 AM = 8 horas da manhã
- 2:30 PM = 2 e meia da tarde
- 11:45 PM = 11 e 45 da noite
24-Hour Clock in Portuguese: The Formal Choice 💼
The 24-hour system is widely used in Portugal and Brazil, especially in formal settings like business meetings, transportation schedules, and digital displays. Here’s how it works:
- Hours are counted from 0 to 23.
- You don’t need to specify “da manhã,” “da tarde,” or “da noite.”
- “Horas” is often omitted in informal speech.
Examples:
- 08:00 = oito horas (8 AM)
- 14:30 = catorze e trinta (2:30 PM)
- 23:45 = vinte e três e quarenta e cinco (11:45 PM)
When to Use Which System: Know Your Audience 🗣️
- Informal conversations: Both systems are acceptable, but the 12-hour system is more common.
- Formal settings (business, transportation schedules): The 24-hour system is preferred.
- Digital displays: You’ll most often see the 24-hour system.
- Written communication: Both are used, but the 24-hour system avoids ambiguity.
Pro Tips for Telling Time in Portuguese 🤓
- Practice converting between the two systems. This will help you understand both ways of telling time.
- Listen for context clues when someone tells you the time. Pay attention to words like “da manhã,” “da tarde,” or “da noite” to determine whether they’re using the 12-hour system.
- When in doubt, ask for clarification: “É de manhã ou à noite?” (Is that in the morning or at night?)
- Remember that midnight is “meia-noite” (12:00 AM) and noon is “meio-dia” (12:00 PM).
By mastering both systems, you’ll be well-equipped to understand and express time in various situations as you continue your Portuguese language journey.