half past nine

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/ˌhæf pæst ˈnaɪn/
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The everyday English time expression for 9:30, thirty minutes after nine o'clock.

Examples

  • It's half past nine now, so we should leave soon.
  • He set his alarm for half past nine.
  • She arrived at the office at half past nine.
  • The train departs at half past nine from platform three.
  • The lecture starts at half past nine, so don't be late.

Similar words

half nine
nine thirty
9:30
half past nine o'clock
thirty minutes past nine

Meanings

Usage

Say It is half past nine for the clock reading, but at half past nine for an appointment, arrival, start, or departure time.

Common mistakes

At is wrongly added in It is at half past nine, but wrongly omitted in The train leaves half past nine.

Etymology

A transparent phrase from half, meaning thirty minutes in this time expression, and past, meaning after the hour.

FAQ

What time is half past nine?

Half past nine is 9:30, thirty minutes after nine o'clock.

Can I say at half past nine?

Yes, when saying when something happens: The meeting starts at half past nine.

Should I say it is at half past nine?

No. For the clock reading, say It is half past nine.

Is half past nine the same as nine thirty?

Yes. Half past nine and nine thirty both mean 9:30.

Is half nine the same as half past nine?

In British and Irish English, half nine often means half past nine, or 9:30. It can mean 8:30 in some other languages, so context matters.

Can half past nine mean morning or evening?

Yes. Add in the morning, in the evening, a.m., or p.m. when the context is not clear.

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