Understanding Time: Is 6:00 PM in the Afternoon or Evening?
Learn whether 6:00 in the afternoon is AM or PM and understand the 12-hour clock system.
Video transcript
6:00 in the afternoon is referred to as 6:00 PM. The abbreviation 'PM' stands for Post Meridiem, which means 'after midday' in Latin. This time format is used in most English-speaking countries to distinguish between morning (AM) and afternoon/evening (PM). Therefore, 6:00 PM is six hours after noon and is part of the 12-hour clock system commonly used for everyday purposes.
Questions and answers
What does PM stand for?
PM stands for Post Meridiem, which means 'after midday' in Latin.
How does the 12-hour clock system work?
The 12-hour clock divides the day into two 12-hour segments: AM for the hours before noon and PM for the hours after noon.
How can I tell if it's AM or PM?
AM refers to hours from midnight to noon, while PM refers to hours from noon to midnight.
Why is 6:00 considered in the PM?
6:00 is considered PM because it occurs six hours after noon.