Guide: How to Say “Half Past” in French

When it comes to telling the time, knowing how to express “half past” is essential in any language. In French, there are several ways to convey this concept, ranging from formal to informal expressions. This guide will walk you through the various ways of saying “half past” in French, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary.

Formal Expressions

Formal expressions are typically used in professional settings or when speaking to someone in a more official capacity. Here are some formal ways of expressing “half past” in French:

1. Demi – The most common and straightforward way to say “half past” in French is by using the word “demi.” For instance, if the time is 2:30, you would say “deux heures et demi.”
2. Et demi – Another formal way to express “half past” is by using the phrase “et demi.” This is typically used when stating the minutes specifically, especially with the hour. For example, you could say “trois heures et demi” to mean 3:30.
3. A la moitié de – This expression, meaning “at the half of,” can also be used as a more formal alternative. For instance, you might say “à la moitié de quatre heures” to mean “at half past four.”

Informal Expressions

Informal expressions are commonly used in everyday conversations among friends, family, or peers. Here are some informal ways to say “half past” in French:

1. Trente – In informal French, it is common to simply use the word for “thirty” (trente) to express “half past.” For example, if the time is 5:30, you could say “cinq heures trente.”
2. Et quart – Although primarily used for “quarter past” (15 minutes past the hour), using “et quart” (and a quarter) can also be a casual way of indicating “half past.” For instance, you might say “six heures et quart” to mean 6:30.

Regional Variations

French is spoken not only in France but also in several other countries where local variations may exist. While the formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier are widely used, there are a few regional variations worth mentioning:

“Trente heures”

In some regions, particularly in Northern France or French-speaking Belgium, it is common to hear the expression “trente heures” (thirty hours) instead of “trente” (thirty) to convey “half past.” For example, you might hear “quatre heures trente heures” instead of “quatre heures trente” to mean 4:30.

Tips and Examples

Mastering the art of telling time in French requires practice and exposure to the language. Here are some additional tips and examples to help you confidently express “half past” in French:

• Remember that the word “heures” (hours) is commonly used in French to specify the hour part of the time. For instance, “deux heures et demi” means “two thirty.”
• When using “et quart” to convey “half past,” be cautious not to confuse it with “et quart” (quarter past) when the time is 15 minutes past the hour.
• Listening to French conversations or watching French movies can greatly improve your understanding and pronunciation of time expressions.

Here are a few examples to solidify your understanding:

• Il est deux heures et demi. (It is half past two.)
• Quatre heures trente heures est l’heure du rendez-vous. (Four thirty is the appointment time.)
• Cinq heures trente est l’heure du dîner. (Five thirty is dinner time.)

By familiarizing yourself with these expressions and practicing them, you will be able to confidently tell the time in French, including when “half past” variously comes into play.

Remember, speaking a language fluently involves not only learning grammar and vocabulary but also immersing yourself in the culture and constantly practicing. So keep practicing, keep exploring, and soon you’ll find yourself adept at expressing any time in French!