French Phrase
Il est cinq heures et quart.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to express that the time is 5:15. In French, 'et quart' is used to denote the fifteen-minute mark past the hour, similar to 'a quarter past' in English. It follows the impersonal construction 'Il est' which is always used for telling time.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks for the time or when you need to state the time in a casual or semi-formal setting. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, scheduling appointments, or checking the clock.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Il estcinqheureset quart
Il est
This is the fixed impersonal expression used to introduce the time, regardless of whether the hour is singular or plural.
Heures
The word for 'hours' must be plural for any time after 1:00. Note the 's' at the end.
Et quart
This means 'and a quarter'. It is the standard way to express 15 minutes past the hour in French.
🗨In Conversation
Quelle heure est-il, s'il vous plaît ?
What time is it, please?
Il est cinq heures et quart.
It is a quarter past five.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est cinq heures et quart.
Always use 'Il est' for telling time in French instead of 'C'est'.
Il est cinq heures et quinze.
While 'quinze' is understood, 'et quart' is the more natural and idiomatic way to say 15 minutes past the hour.
↔Alternatives
Il est cinq heures quinze.
It is five fifteen.
Il est dix-sept heures quinze.
It is 17:15 (5:15 PM).
Cultural Tip
In France, the 24-hour clock is very common for official schedules, transport, and formal events. However, in spoken conversation, people often use the 12-hour clock with expressions like 'et quart' or 'et demie' for simplicity.