how to say 6 40 in spanish

2 min read 19-01-2025

Telling time in a new language can be tricky, but mastering it opens up a world of communication. This guide will walk you through several ways to say 6:40 in Spanish, along with helpful tips and explanations. Learning this simple phrase will boost your confidence in speaking Spanish.

The Most Common Way: "Son las siete menos veinte"

The most common and natural way to say 6:40 in Spanish is "Son las siete menos veinte." This translates literally to "It is seven minus twenty." In Spanish, it's customary to refer to the hour after the current time, rather than counting minutes before the next hour.

Son las: This phrase means "It is the."
siete: This means "seven."
menos: This means "minus" or "less."
veinte: This means "twenty."

So, instead of directly saying "6:40," Spanish speakers often think of it as "20 minutes until 7." This method is widely used and easily understood.

Alternative Ways to Say 6:40 in Spanish

While "Son las siete menos veinte" is the most prevalent method, there are a couple of alternatives, though less common in everyday conversation:

"Son las seis y cuarenta"

You could say "Son las seis y cuarenta," which translates to "It is six and forty." This is grammatically correct, but it sounds slightly less natural to native speakers. They generally prefer the "less twenty" approach.

Using "Para"

You can also use the word "para," meaning "to" or "for," to express the time. You would say "Son veinte para las siete," which translates to "It's twenty to seven." This is a perfectly acceptable alternative.

Beyond 6:40: Mastering Time in Spanish

Understanding the "minus" method for telling time is key to mastering time expressions in Spanish. This approach is consistent across different times. For example:

7:55 – "Son las ocho menos cinco" (It's eight minus five)
2:15 – "Son las dos y cuarto" (It's two and a quarter – a common exception)
11:45 – "Son las doce menos cuarto" (It's twelve minus a quarter – another common exception)

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to learn is through practice. Try saying these phrases out loud, and don't be afraid to experiment. The more you practice, the more natural and confident you will become. You'll find yourself easily understanding and using time expressions in Spanish in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why don't Spanish speakers usually say "seis y cuarenta"?

A: While grammatically correct, it's less common. The "menos veinte" (minus twenty) phrasing is more idiomatic and flows better in conversation.

Q: Is there a single, "best" way to say 6:40?

A: While several options exist, "Son las siete menos veinte" is generally preferred for its naturalness and widespread usage.

Q: How can I improve my Spanish time-telling skills?

A: Practice regularly! Use online resources, language exchange partners, or even just tell the time aloud to yourself. Immerse yourself in the language.

By understanding the different ways to express 6:40 in Spanish and the overall approach to telling time in the language, you’re well on your way to mastering a crucial aspect of conversational Spanish. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)