As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can certainly explain the difference between “de la noche” and “por la noche.” These phrases both refer to the night, but they are used in slightly different contexts.
When we use “por la noche,” we are speaking generally about the night, usually without specifying a particular time. It is a more broad and general expression that can be translated as “at night” or “during the night.” For example, if I say “Me gusta pasear por la noche” (I like to take a walk at night), I am referring to the general period of time when it is dark outside, but I am not specifying a particular hour or moment.
On the other hand, “de la noche” is used when we want to be more specific about a particular time at night. It is used to indicate a precise hour or moment during the night. For instance, if I say “La fiesta comienza a las 11 de la noche” (The party starts at 11 o'clock at night), I am specifying the exact time when the event will begin. In this case, “de la noche” is used to emphasize the specific hour within the night.
To summarize, “por la noche” is used to speak generally about the night, while “de la noche” is used when we want to indicate a specific time or moment during the night. The former is more flexible and can be used in a variety of contexts, while the latter is more precise and specific.
In my personal experience as a sommelier, I often have evening wine tastings where I invite guests to try different wines “por la noche.” It creates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere where the flavors and aromas of the wines can be fully appreciated. However, when hosting a special event such as a wine dinner, I always specify the starting time as “de la noche” to ensure that guests arrive at the designated hour.
To further illustrate the difference, let's consider a scenario where I am planning a night out with friends. If I say “Vamos a salir por la noche” (We are going out at night), it means we will be going out sometime after sunset, but the exact time is not yet determined. However, if I say “Nos encontraremos en el bar a las 10 de la noche” (We will meet at the bar at 10 o'clock at night), it means we have a specific meeting time and place during the night.
“por la noche” is a more general expression referring to the night in a broad sense, while “de la noche” is used when specifying a particular time or moment during the night. Both phrases are important in different contexts and allow for clear communication about nighttime activities and events.