How to read 12:05 on an analog clock

At 12:05, the minute hand points at the 1, which represents the 5th minute. The hour hand is between the 12 and the 1, but closer to the 12. This means we are 5 minutes past twelve o’clock.

In English, when the minute hand is on the 1, we say phrases like: It’s 5 past 12.

It’s five past twelve.

This is a common way of expressing time in spoken English. These expressions sound more natural in everyday conversation.

It’s important to understand that we often refer to the next hour when using “to”, even if the hour hand hasn’t reached it yet.

Example sentences with 12:05

  • My alarm goes off at 12:05 every morning.
  • I always start cooking dinner around it’s five past twelve.
  • We usually go for a walk around 12:05.
  • They left the house at it’s five past twelve. to catch the train.
  • Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s five past twelve!

More Interesting Times