Telling the time in French

Read more about how to use Telling the time in French.
Feel the need to learn new grammar tips fast? Learn French online and test your grammar knowledge with Frantastique for free.

TEST YOUR FRENCH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,6 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot
More than 8 million learners worldwide

Telling the time

In French-speaking countries, the 24-hour clock system is generally used.

We use et demie (half past), et quart (a quarter past), and moins le quart (a quarter to).

Il est quatre heures et demie

Il est sept heures moins le quart

Il est onze heures et quart

Il est midi

Il est treize heures dix

Il est dix-huit heures

Il est vingt et une heures trente

Il est minuit
We can also say:
Il est 8 heures du soir (= il est 20 heures) It's 8 o'clock in the evening.
Il est 3 heures de l'après-midi (= il est 15 heures) It's 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Note: We use il est to tell the time (and not c'est).

Still having trouble with 'Telling the time'? Master the rules of French grammar and improve your French level thanks to our online French lessons Frantastique. We're offering a 7-day free trial, so what are you waiting for?



What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online French lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my French. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.


Looking to improve French for beginners? Frantastique provides effective and fun training!

Tips for learning 'Telling the time'? Share them with us!

TEST YOUR FRENCH