Quelle heure est-il ?
What time is it?
Language note: This is the full polite version to ask for the time.
Culture note: When answering this question, remember that French people often use 'il est' followed by the hour in the 24-hour format.
Context: Your friend checks the time on their watch.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Quelle
[kehl]
What
Used to inquire about a particular thing.
Quelle heure est le rendez-vous ?
What time is the meeting?
heure
[uhr]
hour
A measurement of time consisting of 60 minutes.
L'heure exacte est importante.
The exact hour is important.
est
[ay]
is
Third person singular present of 'être', meaning to be.
Il est temps de partir.
It is time to leave.
-il
[eel]
it
A pronoun used for a thing, animal, or idea previously mentioned.
Il est difficile de dire.
It is difficult to say.
Phrase Parts
Quelle
What
Used to ask for specific information about something.
Quelle est votre couleur préférée ?
What is your favorite color?
heure
hour
Unit of time equal to 60 minutes.
Il est trois heures.
It is three o'clock.
est-il
is it
Inversion of 'il est', used in questions.
Est-il en retard ?
Is he late?
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