French Phrase
Il est déjà plus de onze heures.
Meaning
This phrase indicates that the current time has surpassed 11:00. The word 'déjà' emphasizes surprise or a sense of lateness, while 'plus de' specifies that it is later than the mentioned hour. It is a common way to express that time is slipping away or that it is late.
When to use
Use this when you realize it is later than expected during a social gathering or work session. It is also useful when checking the time and noting that a specific deadline or bedtime has passed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Il estdéjàplus deonze heures
Il est
This is the standard impersonal construction used to tell time in French, equivalent to 'It is' in English.
Plus de
When followed by a number like 'onze', use 'plus de' rather than 'plus que' to mean 'more than'.
🗨In Conversation
Tu veux encore un café ?
Do you want another coffee?
Non merci, il est déjà plus de onze heures.
No thanks, it is already past eleven o'clock.
✕Common Mistakes
Il est déjà plus que onze heures.
Use 'de' instead of 'que' when expressing 'more than' with numbers or time.
C'est déjà plus de onze heures.
Always use 'Il est' to state the time in French; 'C'est' is for identifying things or people.
↔Alternatives
Il est passé onze heures.
It is past eleven.
Onze heures sont déjà passées.
Eleven o'clock has already passed.
Cultural Tip
In France, social gatherings often run late, and saying this might be a polite way to signal that you should head home. While the 24-hour clock is standard for official schedules, 'onze heures' is common in casual conversation for 11 PM.