When it comes to telling time in French, there are some key phrases and expressions you need to know. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say the times in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll also provide some useful tips and examples to help you master this essential skill. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When speaking in formal settings or with people you don’t know well, it’s crucial to use the appropriate expressions to indicate the time. Here are some formal ways to express the times in French:
1. Il est + hour + heure(s)
Il est six heures. (It is six o’clock.)
Note: Unlike in English, French uses the 24-hour clock system for formal time expressions. However, you can also use the 12-hour system, especially in spoken language.
2. Il est + hour + heure(s) + précises
Il est neuf heures précises. (It is exactly nine o’clock.)
This expression is used when you want to emphasize that the time is precise and accurate.
3. Il est + hour + heure(s) + du matin / de l’après-midi / du soir
Il est dix heures du matin. (It is ten in the morning.)
Il est quatre heures de l’après-midi. (It is four in the afternoon.)
Il est neuf heures du soir. (It is nine in the evening.)
These expressions specify whether it is morning, afternoon, or evening.
Informal Expressions:
In casual conversations or with friends, you can use more relaxed expressions to tell the time. Here are some common informal ways to express the times in French:
1. Il est + hour + heures
Il est huit heures. (It is eight o’clock.)
Informally, you can omit the word “il” and simply say “Huit heures.”
2. C’est l’heure de + hour
C’est l’heure de souper. (It’s dinner time.)
This expression is often used to indicate specific times for activities or meals.
3. Vers + hour
Vers midi. (Around noon.)
When you want to give an approximate time, you can use “vers” followed by the hour. This is commonly used in spoken French.
Additional Tips:
Here are some additional tips to enhance your understanding and usage of time expressions in French:
1. Quarter Hours and Half Past
In French, to express quarter hours, you can use the phrase “et quart.” For half past the hour, the phrase “et demie” is used. For example:
Il est deux heures et quart. (It is two fifteen.)
Il est six heures et demie. (It is half past six.)
2. Midnight and Noon
To specify midday or midnight in French, you can use “midi” and “minuit” respectively. For example:
Il est midi. (It is noon.)
Il est minuit. (It is midnight.)
3. Fractions of an Hour
If you need to express a time that falls between the standard hours, you can use “et” to connect the hours and minutes. For example:
Il est quatre heures et quart. (It is four fifteen.)
Il est cinq heures et demie. (It is half past five.)
Remember to always use the appropriate number form depending on the hour. For example, “une heure” for one o’clock, and “deux heures” for two o’clock.
Conclusion
By using the formal and informal expressions covered in this guide, you’ll be able to tell the time accurately in French. Remember to pay attention to the context and choose the appropriate expression accordingly. With practice, you’ll become comfortable using these time expressions, enabling you to seamlessly communicate the times in French in any situation. Bonne chance!
