onze heures et demie
In French, half past eleven is onze heures et demie.
The phrase is used to express that the time is thirty minutes after eleven o'clock.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'eleven hours and half'.
Which one should you use?
While onze heures et demie is common, Onze heures trente is a formal way to express eleven thirty.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase onze heures et demie, the word demie is the feminine form of 'half' because it must agree with the feminine noun heure. Note that in French, the 24-hour clock is standard for formal or written time. Therefore, half past eleven in the evening is often expressed as vingt-trois heures et demie.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the masculine form onze heures et demi. Because heure is feminine, you must use the feminine demie when referring to time.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Il est presque onze heures et demie.It's almost half past eleven.This sentence is useful for saying that it is almost onze heures et demie.Tatoeba #9983 by sacredceltic, translation #73346 by CK
- Il est onze heures et demie.It's half past eleven.This sentence is useful for stating the time is exactly onze heures et demie.Tatoeba #13385226 by glossboss, translation #13385223 by glossboss
- L'entretien commencera à onze heures et demie.The interview will start at half past eleven.
- Le rendez-vous est prévu pour onze heures trente.The appointment is scheduled for half past eleven.
- Le rendez-vous est à onze heures et demie.The appointment is at half past eleven.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are checking the time before a lunch date.
- LucasQuelle heure est-il, Chloé ?What time is it, Chloé?
- ChloéIl est onze heures et demie.It is half past eleven.
- LucasD'accord, nous sommes un peu en retard.Okay, we are a little late.
- ChloéNe t'inquiète pas, Lucas.Don't worry, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, onze, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
