Telling time and asking for the time
Bienvenue! In this chapter, we will embark on a linguistic journey through the realm of time and dates in French. Being able to tell time accurately and inquire about the current hour is essential for everyday conversations, appointments, and scheduling activities. Whether you're catching a train, meeting a friend, or simply keeping track of your daily routine, understanding how to express time in French will greatly enhance your communication skills. Let's dive into the fascinating world of time!
Telling Time in French
Let's begin by learning how to tell time in French. Here are the key elements you need to know:
Hours: In French, the 12-hour clock system is commonly used. Remember that the word "heure" means "hour" in English.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| une heure | one o'clock |
| deux heures | two o'clock |
| trois heures | three o'clock |
| quatre heures | four o'clock |
| cinq heures | five o'clock |
| six heures | six o'clock |
| sept heures | seven o'clock |
| huit heures | eight o'clock |
| neuf heures | nine o'clock |
| dix heures | ten o'clock |
| onze heures | eleven o'clock |
| douze heures | twelve o'clock |
Minutes: To express minutes past the hour, use "et" (and) followed by the number of minutes.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| et une | and one |
| et quart | and a quarter |
| et demie | and half |
| moins le quart | quarter to |
| moins [number] | [number] minutes to |
- Combining Hours and Minutes: Combine the hour and minutes using "heure(s)" as the connector.
Examples:
- Il est une heure. (It is one o'clock.)
- Il est deux heures et quart. (It is two fifteen.)
- Il est cinq heures et demie. (It is five thirty.)
- Il est sept heures moins le quart. (It is quarter to seven.)
- Il est onze heures moins dix. (It is ten minutes to eleven.)
Chapter 2: Asking for the Time in French
Now that you know how to tell time, let's explore how to ask for the time in French. Here are some useful phrases:
| French Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Quelle heure est-il ? | What time is it? |
| Vous avez l'heure ? | Do you have the time? |
| Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous me dire l'heure ? | Excuse me, can you tell me the time? |
Examples:
- Quelle heure est-il, s'il vous plaît ? (What time is it, please?)
- Vous avez l'heure ? (Do you have the time?)
- Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous me dire l'heure ? (Excuse me, can you tell me the time?)
Bravo! You have now mastered the art of telling time and asking for the time in French. Practice these phrases regularly to enhance your time-telling skills and engage in seamless conversations about schedules, appointments, and daily activities. Remember, time is of the essence, and with your newfound knowledge, you'll be able to navigate the temporal realm with confidence. Bonne heure et profitez de chaque instant! (Good timing and enjoy every moment!)