Learning how to tell time in Italian is a key skill for anyone looking to master the language. Whether you’re scheduling a meeting or catching a train, understanding how to express time correctly will make your life much easier. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to confidently tell time in […]
Learning how to tell time in Italian is a key skill for anyone looking to master the language. Whether you’re scheduling a meeting or catching a train, understanding how to express time correctly will make your life much easier. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to confidently tell time in Italian.
To tell time in Italian, you first need to be familiar with numbers. The numbers from 1 to 12 are particularly important for reading a clock. Here’s a quick refresher:
With these in mind, you’re ready to start telling time. Italians typically use the 24-hour clock, especially for formal situations like work or travel schedules.
When stating the time on the hour, you simply say the number followed by the word “ore” (hours). For example:
For 1 o’clock, the singular form “l’una” is used, but for 2 o’clock and beyond, it’s the plural “sono le.”
Just like in English, Italians refer to half-past and quarter hours. Here’s how:
If you want to say it’s quarter to the next hour, you use “meno un quarto.” For example:
In informal settings, Italians might use a 12-hour format, followed by “di mattina” (in the morning), “di pomeriggio” (in the afternoon), or “di sera” (in the evening). Here’s how you can say times in different parts of the day:
Learning how to tell time in Italian is easier when you practice. Try incorporating time-related phrases into your daily conversations. Remember, consistency is key, and it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you keep practicing.
Telling time is just one part of your Italian learning journey. At Lingua Learn, we offer a range of courses from beginner to advanced levels to help you become fluent. Whether it’s improving your conversational skills or mastering Italian grammar, we’ve got the resources to guide you.
For those looking to apply these language skills in the professional world, platforms like JobStreet can help you find career opportunities where language proficiency is an asset.
Start today, and soon you’ll be fluent in telling time and much more in Italian!
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