Description
Learn how to tell the time in French with simple rules and examples. Master A1–A2 grammar and improve your TEF Canada speaking skills.
Introduction: How to Tell the Time in French
Today, you are going to learn telling the time in French, an essential skill for A1–A2 learners and TEF Canada.
If you want to:
- talk about your daily routine
- understand schedules
- give information about time
you must master how to say the time in French correctly.
This lesson will help you:
- say the time clearly
- understand common expressions
- use time in sentences
- avoid common mistakes
1. Basic Structure to Tell the Time in French
The structure is simple:
Il est + heure
Examples
- Il est huit heures
- Il est neuf heures
- Il est dix heures
Important Rule
Use “il est” (not je suis).
2. Half Hours and Minutes
Structure
- Il est + hour + minutes
Examples
- Il est huit heures trente
- Il est neuf heures quinze
3. Quarter and “Minus” Time
Expressions
- et quart → quarter past
- et demie → half past
- moins le quart → quarter to
Examples
- Il est neuf heures et quart
- Il est huit heures et demie
- Il est neuf heures moins le quart
4. Everyday Usage of Time in French
You use time to talk about:
- schedules
- routines
- appointments
Examples
- Je travaille à huit heures
- Je mange à midi
- Je me couche à onze heures
5. Special Times (Important)
- midi → 12:00 (noon)
- minuit → 00:00 (midnight)
Examples
- Il est midi
- Il est minuit
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors:
- Je suis huit heures (incorrect)
- Il est huit (incorrect)
- Il est huit heure (incorrect)
Correct forms:
- Il est huit heures (correct)
- Il est huit heures trente (correct)
7. TEF Canada Strategy (Very Important)
In TEF Canada, telling the time in French is very common.
You may hear:
- À quelle heure… ?
Example Question
À quelle heure tu travailles ?
High-Scoring Answer
- Je travaille à huit heures
- Je mange à midi
- Je me couche à onze heures
Use:
- clear numbers
- correct structure
- simple sentences
8. Practice Now (A1–A2 Level)
Write the time in French:
- 08:00 → ______
- 14:30 → ______
- 18:45 → ______
9. Mini Speaking Task (TEF Style)
Answer:
À quelle heure tu travailles ?
Model:
Je travaille à huit heures.
Je finis à dix-huit heures.
Continue Learning French
Now that you can tell the time in French, continue with:
FAQ
How do you say time in French?
Use: Il est + heure.
How do you say 8:30 in French?
Il est huit heures trente.
What is “midnight” in French?
Minuit.
Is this important for TEF Canada?
Yes. Time is used in listening and speaking tasks.
Final Tip
If you master telling the time in French, you will:
- describe your daily routine
- understand schedules
- improve your TEF Canada performance
