If you’re traveling to Russia or simply have an interest in the Russian language, knowing how to tell the time is an essential skill. Time is an important aspect of communication, whether you’re making plans, catching a train, or simply engaging in small talk. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of expressing time in Russian, along with some helpful tips and examples. Let’s dive in and learn how to say what time it is in Russian!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions of Time
When it comes to formal expressions of time in Russian, you have a few options. The most common way to ask for the time formally is:
Который час?
Kotorый chas?
What time is it?
You can also use the phrase:
Сколько времени?
Skol’ko vremeni?
How much time is it?
When responding to these formal questions, you typically use the 24-hour clock system. Here are some examples:
- 1:00 – Один час (Odeen chas)
- 9:30 – Девять тридцать (Devyat’ tridtsat’)
- 15:45 – Пятнадцать сорок пять (Pyatnadtsat’ sorok pyat’)
- 22:20 – Двадцать два двадцать (Dvadtsat’ dva dvadtsat’)
Informal Expressions of Time
In casual and informal settings, Russians often use a simpler way to ask for the time. You can say:
Сколько время?
Skol’ko vremya?
What time is it?
Responding to this informal question still follows the 24-hour clock system. Here are some examples:
- 2:15 – Два пятнадцать (Dva pyatnadtsat’)
- 11:30 – Одиннадцать тридцать (Odinnadtsat’ tridtsat’)
- 18:50 – Восемнадцать пятьдесят (Vosemnadtsat’ pyat’desyat’)
Pronunciation Tips
When it comes to pronouncing the time, pay attention to the following tips:
- The “о” in “час” can be pronounced as a short “a” sound. So instead of saying “chas” like “chass,” say it as “chus.”
- The numbers in Russian have specific pronunciation rules, but here are a few general tips:
- The letter “и” is pronounced as “ee” in “meet.”
- The letter “я” is pronounced as “ya” in “yard.”
- The letter “ь” indicates a soft consonant sound.
Regional Variations
Russian is spoken across various regions, and some minor variations in time expressions exist. However, the differences are minimal, and most Russians will understand you regardless of the region you are in. This guide primarily focuses on the standard Russian language, which is universally understood. It’s always a good idea to learn the local variations if you plan on visiting a specific region for an extended period.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have learned formal and informal ways to express time in Russian, you are better equipped for your conversations in Russia. Practice pronouncing the numbers correctly and remember the appropriate phrases for each setting. Being able to tell the time is not only practical but also showcases your interest in the Russian language and culture. So, next time someone asks “Который час?” or “Сколько время?”, confidently respond with the correct time in Russian!
