13 h
1 pm in French is 13 h.
In France and most French-speaking countries, the 24-hour clock is the standard for writing and formal speech, meaning 1 pm is written as 13 h.
Which one should you use?
While 13 h is the standard for schedules and formal contexts, the more colloquial way to express this time in conversation is 1 h de l'après-midi.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the exact minute in a formal written context, you add the minutes after the h, such as 13 h 00 for exactly 1 pm.
Did you know?
- The 'h' in 13 h stands for heure, meaning the French effectively write '13 hours' instead of '13 o'clock'.
- If you are scheduling a meeting for 13 h in a professional French email, using 'pm' or 'ap. m.' might be seen as an Anglicism or a sign that the writer is not a native speaker.
- French speakers often use the 24-hour clock for '1 pm' because the word midi is treated as a distinct point in time, making the transition to 13 h a logical continuation of the day's count.
Examples in context
- Le rendez-vous est à 13 h.The appointment is at 1 pm.
- Le train part à 13 h pile.The train leaves at 1 pm sharp.
- On se voit à 13 h ?Shall we see each other at 1 pm?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are planning a meeting.
- GabrielOn se voit demain à 13 h ?Shall we meet tomorrow at 1 pm?
- ManonC'est parfait pour moi, Gabriel.That is perfect for me, Gabriel.
- GabrielOn se retrouve devant le cinéma.We will meet in front of the cinema.
- ManonD'accord, à demain Manon !Okay, see you tomorrow Manon!
