Meaning of AM and PM in Time, Along with How to Use Them - Things to Note

Kapanlagi.com - In Indonesia, time is divided into 4 parts when using terms like morning, afternoon, evening, and night. However, when using numbers, it is divided into two parts with a 24-hour count. So like this, 01.00 am - 12.00 pm and continued with 01.00 pm - 12.00 am. However, what is the meaning of AM and PM in time?

Yes, the use of AM and PM is not commonly used in Indonesia, KLovers. AM and PM are more commonly used in western regions. The meaning of AM and PM indicates the time, so that we do not make mistakes in using time. Yes, the meaning of AM is used for morning time until noon, while PM is used from afternoon until night.

However, to know for sure, you need to know the meaning of AM and PM along with the proper way to use them and things to note when using AM and PM. Let's check it out, KLovers.

1. Meaning of AM and PM

Illustration (credit: Pixabay)

As you know, time is generally divided into hours, minutes, and seconds. Each day we go through 24 hours, each hour has 60 minutes, and each minute has 60 seconds. As previously known, in Indonesia, time is divided into two parts with a 24-hour count. However, in other countries, the time is represented using the AM and PM format.

AM stands for ante meridiem, which means before the meridian line crosses the Sun or the time between midnight and 11.59 in the morning. Meanwhile, PM stands for post-meridiem, which means after the meridian line crosses the Sun or the time between noon and 11.59 at night.

AM and PM represent the 12-hour method, which defines all 24 hours in a day using numbers 1 to 12, followed by AM or PM. For example, if we write 09:00 and 21:00 in Indonesia, the AM and PM format becomes 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM. AM is used from 12:00 (00:00 or midnight) until 11:59 (noon). Meanwhile, PM is used when the time shows 12:00 (noon) until 11:59 (23:59 or midnight).

2. The use of AM and PM

Illustration (credit: Pixabay)

Well, to better understand the meaning of AM and PM, you also need to know how to write AM and PM. Because, if you use AM and PM incorrectly, then you will also be wrong in determining the time, KLovers. So it can't be considered simple, you know. And here are examples of how to use AM and PM:

1. 12.00 AM means exactly 12 midnight, or in 24-hour format it's 24.00

2. 01.00 AM indicates 1 in the morning or 01.00

3. 10.00 AM indicates 10 in the morning or 10.00

4. 11.59 AM indicates 11 in the morning plus 59 minutes or 11.59

5. 12.00 PM indicates 12 noon or 12.00

6. 01.00 PM indicates 1 in the afternoon or 13.00

7. 02.00 PM indicates 2 in the afternoon or 14.00

8. 09.00 PM indicates 9 in the evening or 21.00

9. 11.59 PM indicates 11 at night plus 59 minutes or 23.59

3. Things to be Considered

Illustration (credit: Pixabay)

Apparently, it's not just about understanding the meaning of AM and PM, KLovers. But you also need to know the things that need to be considered. Yes, the main weakness of the 12-hour format is the confusion about which abbreviation should be used for noon and midnight. Because there is no moment that can logically be identified as before noon (AM) or after noon (PM).

However, most digital clocks and most sources, set midnight as 12 AM and noon as 12 PM. Although the exact noon moment is not included in the category, the hours after it, from 12:00:01 to 12:59:59, clearly come after noon.

Another source of confusion is the lack of a date indicator in the 12-hour system, so it is not possible to logically identify the exact time when only the date and 12:00 (midnight) are provided. One way to overcome this problem is to sacrifice accuracy for clarity.

For example, your friend asks you to be at the airport at 12:01 on April 13th or, the next midnight, at 11:59 on April 13th. So, you won't be confused anymore with the confusion about AM and PM at midnight.

That's the meaning of AM and PM that you can know and understand. Not only knowing the meaning of AM and PM, but also how to use them and things to be considered.

(kpl/dhm)