How to Say Midnight in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
Updated for 2026, the word "midnight" translates to medianoche in Spanish. This term is widely used across the Spanish-speaking world to refer to the precise moment when the clock strikes 12:00 at night.
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How to Say Midnight in Spanish
The word medianoche (IPA: /meh.ðjaˈno.tʃe/) is derived from the combination of "medio" (middle) and "noche" (night). It refers to the exact moment when it's 12:00 at night, marking the midpoint between evening and early morning. Pronunciation of medianoche is crucial for clear communication.
Meaning and Usage in Spanish
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Browse all 4 volumes →"Medianoche" specifically denotes the precise hour when the clock strikes midnight. In contrast, "media noche" implies a period lasting half the night. For instance, "Se pasó media noche sin pegar ojo," means he/she stayed awake until late into the night.
Regional Variations
In Spanish-speaking regions, variations exist for referring to midnight:
- Mexico and Central America: Use las doce de la noche (IPA: /las ˈdoθe ðe la ˈnotʃe/), meaning "twelve at night."
- Argentina and Uruguay: Commonly say las doce en punto (IPA: /las ˈdoθe en ˈpunto/), which means "exactly twelve o'clock."
Sample Sentences for Practical Usage
To help you understand how to use "medianoche" in context, here are five sample sentences:
- ¿A qué hora llega el tren? —Llegará a medianoche.
(What time does the train arrive? —It will arrive at midnight.)
- En nuestra boda, bailamos hasta las doce de la noche.
(At our wedding, we danced until midnight.)
- Cerramos la tienda a las doce en punto.
(We close the store at exactly twelve o'clock.)
- Me gusta pasear por la playa en la medianoche.
(I enjoy strolling along the beach at midnight.)
- Debes entregar el informe antes de las doce de la noche.
(You must submit the report before midnight.)
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