A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "At midnight" in Spanish
Learn how to say 'at midnight' in Spanish with this quick guide on time expressions for your next trip to Latin America.
A medianoche.
ah meh-dee-ah-NOH-chehneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when discussing late-night arrivals, restaurant closing times, or New Year's Eve plans. It is the standard way to pinpoint the exact moment the day changes.
Alternatives
- A las doce de la nocheUse this if you want to be more specific or avoid potential confusion.
- Cerca de la medianocheUse this when you mean 'around' midnight rather than exactly at that time.
Ways to get it wrong
Adding 'en'
Avoid saying 'en medianoche' because the preposition 'a' is required for specific clock times.
Confusing with 'media noche'
Keep it as one word, 'medianoche', when referring to the specific time of day.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American countries, social events often start late, so 'a medianoche' is a very common time to meet up for parties or late-night dinners.
Frequently asked
How do I say at midnight exactly?
You simply use 'a medianoche' to express the exact moment. It is the most natural way to indicate the start of the new day.
Is medianoche feminine or masculine?
It is a feminine noun, which is why you will often see it paired with 'la'. However, the preposition 'a' remains the same regardless of gender.
Can I use this for 12 AM?
Yes, 'a medianoche' is the standard way to refer to 12 AM. It is much more common in conversation than saying twelve in the morning.
