How to read 12:20 on an analog clock
At 12:20, the minute hand points at the 4, which represents the 20th minute. The hour hand is between the 12 and the 1, but closer to the 12. This means we are 20 minutes past twelve o’clock.
In English, when the minute hand is on the 4, we say phrases like: It’s 20 past 12.
It’s twenty 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 12:20
- Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s twenty past twelve!
- We usually go for a walk around 12:20.
- Her dance class begins precisely at 12:20.
- I always start cooking dinner around it’s twenty past twelve.
- My alarm goes off at 12:20 every morning.