The difference between AM and PM, how was it again? You are not the first traveller to have to look this up. In Netherlands we actually never use this form of time stamping so you quickly forget the difference. But not any more! Because the mnemonics below are going to help you during all your travels.
The difference between AM and PM
The abbreviations “AM” and “PM” derive from Latin. AM stands for “ante meridiem,” meaning “before noon,” while PM stands for “post meridiem,” or “after noon.” In other words: AM is used to indicate times for 12:00 in the afternoon, while PM is used to indicate times after 12:00 in the afternoon. So again in brief:
- AM means Ante Meridiem (“before noon”) and runs from 00:00 to 12:00.
- PM means Post Meridiem (“after noon”) and runs from 12:00 to 24:00.
These terms are used in the so-called 12-hour clock, where the day is divided into two 12-hour segments. So the change from AM to PM happens exactly at 12:00 noon. This is when the time display changes from AM to PM. Might sound complicated, but it's not that bad!
1. What does AM mean?
AM means Ante Meridiem (“before noon”)
AM = all times between 00:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.
2. What does PM mean?
PM means Post Meridiem (“after noon”).
PM = all times between 12.00 noon and 00.00 midnight.
3. Mnemonics for AM and PM
- Unpleasant morning (AM) and pleasant afternoon (PM) - Our favourite
- The letter A (from AM) appears earlier in the alphabet than the P (from PM), so AM is earlier than PM
- AM is At Morning: AM is the time from midnight to 12 noon.
- PM is Passing AfternoonPM starts after 12 noon (noon).
| Night / Morning | Afternoon / Evening | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-hour clock | 12-hour clock | 24-hour clock | 12-hour clock |
| 00:00 | 12 AM | 12:00 | 12 PM |
| 01:00 | 1 AM | 13:00 | 1 PM |
| 02:00 | 2 AM | 14:00 | 2 PM |
| 03:00 | 3 AM | 15:00 | 3 PM |
| 04:00 | 4 AM | 16:00 | 4 PM |
| 05:00 | 5 AM | 17:00 | 5 PM |
| 06:00 | 6 AM | 18:00 | 6 PM |
| 07:00 | 7 AM | 19:00 | 7 PM |
| 08:00 | 8 AM | 20:00 | 8 PM |
| 09:00 | 9 AM | 21:00 | 9 PM |
| 10:00 | 10 AM | 22:00 | 10 PM |
| 11:00 | 11 AM | 23:00 | 11 PM |
Where do AM and PM come from?
The origin of AM and PM has to do with the position of the sun. “AM” refers to the time before noon, when the sun rises and morning dawns. “PM”, on the other hand, refers to the period after noon, when the sun sets and evening begins. This system originated in an era when people depended on the sun for their timekeeping. The 12-hour time format was used by ancient civilisations such as the Babylonians and the Egyptians.
Which countries use the 12-hour clock?
The 12-hour clock is used in several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Malaysia
What is the 24-hour clock?
Besides the 12-hour clock, there is also the 24-hour clock, which is used in many countries. It is probably familiar to you because it is often used for mobile phones, laptops, iPads and alarm clocks. This system, also known as military time or international time, runs from 0:00 (midnight) to 23:59 (one minute before midnight).
Why is it important to know the difference?
In many English-speaking countries, it is common to use this form of time indication. It is therefore useful to know the difference well. That way, you will know for sure when you can pick up your rental car, the boat leaves, your plane lands, and what the check-in time is at the hotel.
How do you designate 12:00 in the afternoon or night given that this is exactly PM or AM?
Yes...we understand this question very well. To indicate 12:00 noon within an AM-PM system, a specific term is used, as this moment could theoretically be either AM or PM. This is why we use ’noon“ for 12:00 noon and ”midnight’ for 12:00 midnight.
Remember the difference through these handy AM and PM Donkey Tips
yes, here they come again! Some handy mnemonics to remember AM and PM are:
- Unpleasant morning (AM) and pleasant afternoon (PM) - Our favourite
- The letter A (from AM) appears earlier in the alphabet than the P (from PM), so AM is earlier than PM
- AM is At Morning: AM is the time from midnight to 12 noon.
- PM is Passing AfternoonPM starts after 12 noon (noon).
What time is it now?
Wondering what time it is now at your next travel destination? Whether you are going to Bali, Croatia, Sri Lanka or any other distant destination, you can easily check the current time via online world clock Whether the online clock.
We hope this information helps you plan your trip. Still have questions? Then feel free to send us a message via Instagram or via [email protected].
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