How to read 12:30 on an analog clock
At 12:30, the minute hand points at the 6, which represents the 30th minute. The hour hand is between the 12 and the 1, but closer to the 1. This means we are 30 minutes past twelve o’clock.
In English, when the minute hand is on the 6, we say phrases like: It’s half past 12.
It’s half 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 12:30
- We usually go for a walk around 12:30.
- Her dance class begins precisely at 12:30.
- Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s half past twelve!
- I always start cooking dinner around it’s half past twelve.
- They left the house at it’s half past twelve. to catch the train.