che ora è
The English phrase "what time it is" is translated into Italian as che ora è.
This phrase is used to refer to the current time of day. In a direct question, such as asking someone for the time, it is more common to use the question forms Che ore sono? or Che ora è? rather than the declarative structure. When describing the time, note that Italians use mezzogiorno for 12:00 PM instead of dodici and mezzanotte for 12:00 AM instead of dodici.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase che ora è literally translates to "what hour is".
Which one should you use?
In modern Italian, you can use both the singular form che ora è (what hour is) and the plural form che ore sono (what hours are). Both are acceptable.
Did you know?
- In traditional Italian culture, asking che ora è to a stranger is often preceded by the formal greeting Scusi to avoid appearing abrupt or rude.
- The word ora is a descendant of the Ancient Greek word hṓra, which originally referred to a season or a specific time of day.
- In Italian, the word ora can also mean 'now' when used as an adverb, creating a linguistic link between a specific point in time and the present moment.
Examples in context
- Non so che ora è.I don't know what time it is.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase che ora è in a negative statement.Tatoeba #749891 by Guybrush88, translation #256429 by Hellerick
- Tom non sa che ora è.Tom doesn't know what time it is.This sentence shows the use of che ora è when referring to another person.Tatoeba #2552771 by Guybrush88, translation #1026087 by CK
- Sa che ora è a Boston?Do you know what time it is in Boston?This sentence demonstrates asking about the time in a specific location using che ora è.Tatoeba #2972746 by Guybrush88, translation #2882529 by CK
- Scusi, che ora è?Excuse me, what time is it?
- Mi può dire l'ora, per cortesia?Can you tell me the time, please?
- Scusate, sareste così gentili da dirmi l'ora?Excuse me, would you be so kind as to tell me the time?
- Sai che ore sono?Do you know what time it is?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are walking in the park.
- SofiaMatteo, mi dici che ora è?Matteo, can you tell me what time it is?
- MatteoAspetta, controllo il telefono.Wait, I'll check my phone.
- MatteoSono le tre del pomeriggio.It is three in the afternoon.
- SofiaGrazie mille!Thanks a lot!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries che, ora, è, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
