🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

How to Tell Time in French?

Telling time in French (l'heure) is a foundational skill for everyday conversation. You'll use 'Il est' (It is) to state the hour, and add minutes with et (and) or moins (minus).

Short answer

In French, you say 'Il est + number + heure(s)' for the hour. Minutes are added: 'Il est trois heures vingt' (3:20) or 'Il est quatre heures moins dix' (3:50).

French Time Structure

x: Time Element · y: Common Usage

Step-by-step worked examples

It is 2:00 PM. How do you say this in French?

2:00 = 2 heures
Answer: Il est deux heures (de l'après-midi).

It is 7:30. Express in French.

7:30 = 7 hours and 30 minutes
Answer: Il est sept heures et demie.

It is 4:45. How is this said in French?

4:45 = 5 hours minus 15 minutes (moins le quart)
Answer: Il est cinq heures moins le quart.

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.What does 'Il est' mean?

Correct answer: A. 'Il est' literally means 'It is' in French time expressions.

Q2.How do you say 9:15 in French?

Correct answer: B. 9:15 = 9 hours and 15 minutes = et quart (quarter past).

Q3.What does 'et demie' mean?

Correct answer: C. 'Et demie' means 'and half', used for times ending in :30.

Q4.How do you express 11:50 in French?

Correct answer: C. 11:50 = 12 o'clock minus 10 minutes = douze heures moins dix.

📄Download this topic as a printable worksheet (PDF)Summary + 10 questions + answer key — print it, share it in class.↓

Study better with Bounlu apps

Notek

The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “How to Tell Time in French?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.

Get it free

PromyNever miss an exam or homework deadline with Promy: AI turns the dates in your inbox into reminders automatically.

Common mistakes

✗

Saying 'Il est trois heure' (singular). — Correct: Always use plural: 'Il est trois heures' (3+ hours use 'heures').

✗

Using 'et' for minutes past the half (Il est trois heures et 40). — Correct: After 30 minutes, use 'moins': Il est quatre heures moins 20.

✗

Forgetting that 'midi' and 'minuit' don't use 'heures'. — Correct: Say 'Il est midi' and 'Il est minuit', not with 'heures'.

✗

Confusing 'et quart' (quarter past) with 'moins quart' (quarter to). — Correct: 'Et quart' = :15, 'moins quart' = :45.

FAQ

How do you tell time in French?

Use 'Il est' + number + 'heure(s)' for the hour. Add minutes with 'et' (up to 30) or 'moins' (after 30).

What is the difference between 'et' and 'moins' in French time?

'Et' adds minutes (Il est trois heures et vingt = 3:20); 'moins' subtracts (Il est quatre heures moins dix = 3:50).

How do you say noon and midnight in French?

Noon = 'Il est midi'; Midnight = 'Il est minuit'. Both are singular and don't use 'heures'.

What does 'et demie' mean in French time?

'Et demie' means 'and half', used for :30 (e.g., 'Il est trois heures et demie' = 3:30).