une heure du matin
One AM in French is une heure du matin.
This phrase is used to specify the time that is one hour after midnight. While English uses the abbreviation 'AM' to distinguish the morning from the afternoon, French uses the prepositional phrase du matin to provide this distinction.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase une heure du matin literally translates to 'one hour of the morning'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the masculine article un. Because heure is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine article une as in une heure du matin.
Did you know?
- The word matin is linked to Matuta, the Roman goddess of the dawn. This connects your late-night schedule to ancient mythology.
- In France, you will often see 1h00 written on a digital clock or schedule rather than 1 AM. The 'h' stands for heure and acts as the separator between hours and minutes.
- While une heure du matin describes the time, the phrase une heure on its own often refers to a duration of 60 minutes. This can lead to confusion if you tell someone you will arrive in une heure.
Examples in context
- Il est une heure du matin.It is one AM.
- Une heure du matin.One AM.
- Le train part à une heure du matin.The train leaves at one am.
- Je me suis réveillée à une heure du matin.I woke up at one am.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about a party.
- LéaÀ quelle heure es-tu rentré, Nathan ?What time did you get home, Nathan?
- NathanJe suis rentré à une heure du matin.I got home at one am.
- LéaC'est très tard !That is very late!
- NathanOui, la fête était géniale.Yes, the party was great.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, heure, matin, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
