Times in Latin
Learning how to express time in Latin can help you understand classical texts, historical writings, and educational exercises that use Latin numbers.
Unlike modern languages, the ancient Romans did not usually divide time exactly the way we do today. However, modern Latin commonly expresses time using numbers combined with the word for hour and minute.
Example:
7:37
hora septima et triginta septem minuta
Meaning:
seven thirty-seven
This page explains how to read, write, and say time in Latin.
Asking the Time in Latin
To ask what time it is in Latin, you can say:
Quota hora est?
Meaning:
What time is it?
Example response:
Hora tertia est.
Meaning:
It is three o’clock.
Full Hours in Latin
Latin expresses hours using hora (hour) followed by an ordinal number.
Examples:
| Time | Latin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 | hora prima | first hour |
| 2:00 | hora secunda | second hour |
| 3:00 | hora tertia | third hour |
| 4:00 | hora quarta | fourth hour |
| 5:00 | hora quinta | fifth hour |
Example sentence:
Hora tertia est.
Meaning:
It is three o’clock.
Minutes in Latin
Minutes can be expressed using the word minuta (minutes) along with Latin cardinal numbers.
Examples:
| Minutes | Latin |
|---|---|
| 10 | decem minuta |
| 15 | quindecim minuta |
| 30 | triginta minuta |
| 45 | quadraginta quinque minuta |
Example:
3:10
hora tertia et decem minuta
Combining Hours and Minutes
To say the full time in Latin, combine the hour and the minutes.
Examples:
3:25
hora tertia et viginti quinque minuta
5:37
hora quinta et triginta septem minuta
7:45
hora septima et quadraginta quinque minuta
Half Past the Hour
Latin can express half past the hour using triginta minuta (thirty minutes).
Example:
3:30
hora tertia et triginta minuta
Meaning:
three thirty
Noon and Midnight
Latin has traditional words for noon and midnight.
| Time | Latin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | meridies | noon |
| 12:00 AM | media nox | midnight |
Examples:
Meridies est.
Meaning:
It is noon.
Media nox est.
Meaning:
It is midnight.
Writing Time in Latin
Time can be written using Arabic numerals while spoken or translated into Latin words.
Examples:
7:00
hora septima
18:30
hora duodevicesima et triginta minuta
In most modern contexts, Latin follows the same 24-hour clock system used internationally.
Examples:
| Time | Latin |
|---|---|
| 14:00 | hora quarta decima |
| 18:30 | hora duodevicesima et triginta minuta |
Practice Times in Latin
You can practice telling time in Latin using the interactive tools below.
Try Our Times in Latin Interactive Translate Tool
Test Your Knowledge. Take the Latin Numbers Quiz
Related Latin Pages
Further reference: Cambridge Latin numerals reference sheet.