How To Say "Noon" In Spanish

Have you ever wondered how to express the concept of "noon" in Spanish? This article will provide you with the essential knowledge to communicate the time of day when the sun is at its highest point. We will delve into the regional variations of this term and explore its meaning in different contexts. Whether you are a language enthusiast or simply curious about Spanish vocabulary, this article will shed light on the various ways to say "noon" in Spanish.

What is "Noon" in Spanish?

The Spanish word for "noon" is mediodía (IPA: /me.ðjoˈði.a/). It refers to the period between morning and afternoon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.

Meaning of "Noon" in Spanish

"Mediodía" holds the same essential meaning as "noon" in English. However, it is important to note that the concept of time can vary across different Spanish-speaking regions. Let us explore some regional variations of "noon" in Spanish:

• In Spain, "mediodía" is commonly used to refer to the time around 2 p.m., which aligns with the traditional Spanish lunchtime.
• In most Latin American countries, "mediodía" generally refers to the time around 12 p.m., similar to the English "noon." However, it is worth noting that there might be slight variations in different regions.
• In Mexico, the term "media tarde" is often used to describe the time between noon and evening, typically around 3 p.m.
• In Argentina, "mediodía" is used to indicate the time around 1 p.m., which is the country's typical lunch hour.

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Synonyms of "Noon" in Spanish

Here are some synonyms of "noon", along with their definitions:

• Meridiano (IPA: /me.ɾiˈðja.no/): It refers to the exact moment when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, indicating midday. It can also be used to describe the time around midday or noon.
• Solio (IPA: /ˈso.ljo/): This term is less common and is used to indicate midday or noon.
• Misa (IPA: /ˈmi.sa/): Although "misa" primarily means "mass" (referring to the Catholic religious ceremony), it is also used as a synonym for "mediodía" in certain regions, particularly in Spain. It represents the time around noon when the midday mass traditionally takes place.
• Medio día* (IPA: /ˈme.ðjo ˈði.a/): It means "midday."
• Las doce del día (IPA: /las ˈdo.se ðel ˈdi.a/): It means "twelve o'clock in the day" and is used to specifically refer to midday or noon.

It is important to note that "mediodía" is not exactly the same as "medio día." Fundeu explains it perfectly:

The expression medio día indicates duration, as in "he works half a day, from 8 to 12, and spends his afternoons at the university", while the term mediodía is the 'moment when the sun is at the highest point of its elevation above the horizon' or also 'twelve o'clock in the morning'.

However, sometimes they are confused, as in "a score of residents of the town have been evicted this Friday at noon..." or "the test has taken place this noon...", where it would have been appropriate to use noon.

How to Say "Noon" in Spanish: Sample Sentences

Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "noon" in Spanish:

• El tren parte a las doce del día.

(The train departs at noon.)

• ¿Podemos reunirnos al mediodía?

(Can we meet at noon?)

• La cita médica es a las doce en punto.

(The doctor's appointment is at exactly twelve o'clock.)

• Durante el verano, el sol está a pico a las doce.

(During summer, the sun is at its peak at noon.)

• En Canarias, el almuerzo se sirve a las doce del mediodía.

(In the Canary Islands, lunch is served at twelve noon.)

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