Time Expressions and Telling the Time in French

Understanding how to tell the time and use time-related expressions is an essential part of learning French. This article explores the basics of telling the time, as well as common expressions and nuances that can help you navigate French conversations about time with confidence.

The French system for telling the time is straightforward, but it has specific rules and conventions. In formal settings, such as train schedules, businesses, and official announcements, the 24-hour clock is commonly used. In informal contexts, the 12-hour clock is used.

Telling the time

EnglishFrench with pronunciation
HourHeure
It is 1 o’clockIl est une heure
MinutesMinutes
It is 3:10Il est trois heures dix
HalfDemie
It is 4:30Il est quatre heures et demie
QuarterQuart
It is 3:15Il est trois heures et quart
MinusMoins
It is 4:50Il est cinq heures moins dix
In the morningDu matin
It is 9 o’clock in the morningIl est neuf heures du matin
In the afternoonDe l’après-midi
It is 3 o’clock in the afternoonIl est trois heures de l’après-midi
In the eveningDu soir
It is 8 o’clock in the eveningIl est huit heures du soir


Asking for the Time

EnglishFrench with pronunciation
What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
Do you have time?Tu as l’heure?
At what time does the movie start?À quelle heure commence le film?
Can you tell me the time?Pouvez-vous me dire l’heure?
Do you know what time it is?Est-ce que vous savez l’heure?
Excuse me, what time is it?Excusez-moi, il est quelle heure?
Is it time to leave?C’est l’heure de partir?

Common Time-Related Expressions

French is rich with idiomatic expressions related to time.

EnglishFrench with pronunciation
EarlyDe bonne heure
We arrived earlyNous sommes arrivés de bonne heure
LateEn retard
I’m sorry, I’m lateJe suis désolé, je suis en retard
On timeÀ l’heure
The train arrived on timeLe train est arrivé à l’heure
SinceDepuis
I’ve been working here for three yearsJe travaille ici depuis trois ans
For/duringPendant
We traveled for two weeksNous avons voyagé pendant deux semaines
InDans
I’m leaving in five minutesJe pars dans cinq minutes
Time fliesLe temps passe vite
To waste timePerdre du temps
To save timeGagner du temps