Godziny po angielsku
How to Tell Time in Polish
Telling time in Polish can be a bit challenging for non-native speakers, especially when dealing with the 24-hour clock system. In Polish, the phrase for «hours» is godziny, and in this article, we will explore how to tell time in Polish using both the 12-hour and 24-hour clock system.
12-Hour Clock System
In Polish, the 12-hour clock system uses phrases like «w południe» (noon) and «w północy» (midnight) to indicate the exact time. When telling time in Polish, you have to start with the hour, followed by the minutes. For example, if it is 3:30, you would say «trzecia trzydzieści».
It is worth noting that in the 12-hour clock system, there is no separate term for «AM» or «PM» as in English. Instead, you rely on the context of the conversation to determine whether it is morning, afternoon, evening, or night.
24-Hour Clock System
The 24-hour clock system is commonly used in Poland and other European countries. In this system, the hours are counted from 00:00 (midnight) to 23:59 (11:59 PM). When telling time using the 24-hour clock system, you simply state the hour followed by the minutes. For example, if it is 15:45, you would say «piętnasta czterdzieści pięć».
Unlike the 12-hour clock system, the 24-hour clock system eliminates any confusion regarding morning and evening hours. The use of military time, as it is often called, provides a precise and standardized way of telling time.
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning how to tell time in Polish may seem daunting at first, but with practice and repetition, you will soon become comfortable with expressing time in both the 12-hour and 24-hour clock systems. Whether you are scheduling a meeting, catching a train, or simply trying to make plans, mastering the phrases for «hours» (godziny) in Polish will be a valuable skill to have.
So, don’t hesitate to practice telling time in Polish with your friends or language partners. With dedication and perseverance, you will soon be able to confidently express the hours in Polish, no matter what the time of day may be.
