How to read 3:30 on an analog clock
At 3:30, the minute hand points at the 6, which represents the 30th minute. The hour hand is between the 3 and the 4, but closer to the 4. This means we are 30 minutes past three o’clock.
In English, when the minute hand is on the 6, we say phrases like: It’s half past 3.
It’s half past three.
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 3:30
- Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s half past three!
- We usually go for a walk around 3:30.
- Her dance class begins precisely at 3:30.
- My alarm goes off at 3:30 every morning.
- I always start cooking dinner around it’s half past three.