trois heures dix
In French, 'ten past three' is expressed as trois heures dix.
This phrase describes the time ten minutes after three o'clock.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the number three, the word for hours and the number ten, translating literally to 'three hours ten'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which uses 'ten past three', the French structure is more direct, effectively saying 'three hours ten'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, you do not use a preposition like 'past' or 'after' to express minutes past the hour. You simply state the hour followed by the minutes.
Did you know?
- While trois heures dix is the standard way to say the time, French speakers often use a 24-hour clock for official schedules, making 'ten past three' in the afternoon quinze heures dix.
- If you wanted to say 'ten to four' instead, you would use the word moins, meaning 'minus', to say quatre heures moins vingt.
- If you were to say trois heures without the minutes, it is common to add pile at the end to mean 'exactly three o'clock'.
Examples in context
- Il est trois heures dix.It is three ten.
- Le rendez-vous est à trois heures dix.The appointment is at three ten.
- Je dois partir à trois heures dix.I have to leave at three ten.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are checking the time before a meeting.
- LucasQuelle heure est-il exactement ?What time is it exactly?
- ChloéIl est trois heures dix.It is three ten.
- LucasOh, nous sommes en retard !Oh, we are late!
- ChloéNe t'inquiète pas, Lucas.Don't worry, Lucas.
