Qué significan las siglas am y pm en la hora
Have you ever wondered what the abbreviations “AM” and “PM” mean when you look at the time on a clock or a calendar? These two letters are commonly used in English-speaking countries to denote the 12-hour clock system, which divides the day into two halves. In this article, we will explore what these abbreviations stand for and how they are used in daily life.
The 12-hour clock system is based on the fact that there are 12 hours in a half-day, from midnight to noon, and another 12 hours from noon to midnight. The “AM” and “PM” abbreviations are derived from Latin, with “AM” meaning “ante meridiem,” which translates to “before noon,” and “PM” meaning “post meridiem,” which translates to “after noon.”
In the AM/PM system, the day starts at 12:00 AM, which is also referred to as midnight. This period extends until 11:59 AM, marking the end of the morning. Once the clock strikes noon, the time is 12:00 PM, also known as noon. This period continues until 11:59 PM, which is the end of the day.
Here’s how the 12-hour clock system works:
– 12:00 AM or 12:00 PM: Midnight or noon
– 1:00 AM to 11:59 AM: Morning
– 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM: Afternoon and evening
It’s important to note that the AM/PM system is not universally used worldwide. Some countries, such as those in Europe and Asia, use a 24-hour clock system, which does not use the “AM” and “PM” abbreviations. In the 24-hour clock system, the day is divided into 24 hours, starting from 00:00 (midnight) and ending at 23:59 (one minute before midnight).
In conclusion, the abbreviations “AM” and “PM” are essential for understanding the 12-hour clock system used in English-speaking countries. They help us differentiate between the morning and afternoon/evening hours, making it easier to schedule activities and appointments. While the 24-hour clock system is gaining popularity in some regions, the AM/PM system remains a staple in daily life for many.
