How to Tell Time in French: A Guide for English Learners

Understanding the Basics of Telling Time

In French, telling time involves special vocabulary and format that might differ from English. It's essential to understand the 24-hour clock, or military time, as it is typically used in France for formal communication.

Numbers and Time Expressions

Start by mastering the numbers from 0 to 24, along with key expressions like "heures" for hours and "demi" for half.

The 24-Hour Clock

French often uses the 24-hour clock. It means that 3 PM is referred to as "quinze heures", and 6 PM is "dix-huit heures". This system is common in schedules, official contexts, and written communication.

Asking for the Time

To ask what time it is, you could say: "Quelle heure est-il?". This simple phrase is essential when navigating through daily activities in French-speaking areas.

Telling Time in Conversations

When replying, start with "Il est" which translates to 'It is.' For example, "Il est trois heures." means 'It is three o'clock.'

Common Phrases and Variations

While basics are fundamental, it's also useful to learn common variations and expressions that enrich daily interactions.

Noted Exceptions and Important Details

Unlike English, French uses a period instead of a colon to separate hours from minutes. For example: "8.30" rather than 8:30.