The French seem very formal with time. Do they ever just say " it is ten fifteen?"

GaryA2Kwiziq community member

The French seem very formal with time. Do they ever just say " it is ten fifteen?"

Il est dix quinze.
Asked 7 years ago
AurélieKwiziq team memberCorrect answer
Bonjour Gary !

No, in French, you cannot omit "heure(s)" when telling the time: it would sound too vague (ten fifteen what?).
It's the same as when you give your age, you cannot omit "ans" for similar reasons.

I hope that's helpful!
À bientôt !
GaryA2Kwiziq community member
Thanks for answer. The answer " ten fifteen " would not be vague if the question was " what is the time ?" Very common usage in Australia. Same for " how old are you?" " 30 ". Anyway, an interesting theme. C'est la vie!
AurélieKwiziq team member
Yes, that's the beauty of the English language :)

The French seem very formal with time. Do they ever just say " it is ten fifteen?"

Il est dix quinze.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Getting that for you now...