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"Son las doce" is a phrase which is often translated as "it's twelve o'clock", and "quince" is an adjective which is often translated as "fifteen". Learn more about the difference between "son las doce" and "quince" below.
son las doce(
sohn
 
lahs
 
doh
-
seh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. it's twelve o'clock
¿Qué hora es, por favor? - Son las doce.What time is it, please? - It's twelve o'clock.
b. it's midnight (at night)
¿Estás loco? Yo ya no salgo. ¡Son las doce de la noche!Are you crazy? I'm not going out. It's midnight!
c. it's noon (at midday)
Son las doce y esta es la hora a la que la gente empieza a almorzar en este país.It's noon and this is the time people start having lunch in this country.
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quince(
keen
-
seh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. fifteen
Tienes que escribir quince páginas.You have to write fifteen pages.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. fifteen
Siete más ocho son quince.Seven plus eight is fifteen.
b. fifteenth (in dates)
A Julio César lo asesinaron el quince de marzo.Julius Caesar was assassinated on the fifteenth of March.
a. fifteenth birthday
Mariluz está deseando celebrar sus quince.Mariluz is looking forward to celebrating her fifteenth birthday.
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