英语时间的5种表达方式（英语时间的5种表达方式翻译）

Introduction

In this article, we will explore five different ways to express time in English. Understanding these various expressions will help you to communicate effectively when discussing schedules, appointments, and time-related events.

1. Digital Clock Format

The most common and straightforward way to express time is by using the digital clock format. This format follows the 24-hour system, where the hours are represented from 00 to 23 and the minutes from 00 to 59. For instance, 10:30 AM is expressed as 10:30 and 9:15 PM as 21:15.

2. 12-Hour Clock Format

The 12-hour clock format is commonly used in everyday conversations, particularly in spoken English and informal settings. This format utilizes the term 'AM' (ante meridiem) to indicate morning hours (12:00 AM to 11:59 AM) and 'PM' (post meridiem) to refer to afternoon and evening hours (12:00 PM to 11:59 PM). For example, 6:45 AM is read as 'six forty-five in the morning', while 7:30 PM is read as 'seven thirty in the evening'.

3. Written Format

When expressing time in written format, we use ordinal numbers for the hours and minutes, followed by 'o'clock'. This format is commonly used when writing the time formally or in official documents. For instance, 4:00 PM is written as 'four o'clock in the afternoon', and 9:15 AM is written as 'nine fifteen in the morning'.

4. Quarter Past and Half Past

To express time more casually, we often use 'quarter past' and 'half past' to indicate time more broadly. 'Quarter past' is used when the minute hand points to the 3 on the clock, indicating 15 minutes past the hour. For example, 3:15 PM is expressed as 'quarter past three in the afternoon'. Similarly, 'half past' is used when the minute hand points to the 6 on the clock, indicating 30 minutes past the hour. Therefore, 8:30 AM is expressed as 'half past eight in the morning'.

5. Quarter To and Minutes To

When referring to time approaching the next hour, we use 'quarter to' and 'minutes to'. 'Quarter to' is used when the minute hand points to the 9 on the clock, indicating 15 minutes remaining until the next hour. For instance, 12:45 PM is expressed as 'quarter to one in the afternoon'. On the other hand, 'minutes to' is used to express time with any number of remaining minutes before the next hour. For example, 5:55 PM is expressed as 'five minutes to six in the evening'.

Conclusion

Mastering the different ways to express time in English is essential for effective communication. From the standard digital clock format to the more casual expressions like 'quarter past' and 'quarter to', these five methods will help you express time accurately and confidently in various situations. Practice using these expressions, and you will soon become fluent in discussing time effortlessly.