French Phrase
T'as l'heure ?
Meaning
This is a highly common, informal way to ask for the current time in French. It is a contraction of 'Tu as l'heure ?', where the 'u' in 'tu' is dropped before the vowel in 'as' to reflect natural spoken speed.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual settings with friends, family, or people of a similar age. It is the go-to expression for everyday life, but should be replaced with 'Vous avez l'heure ?' in formal or professional environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
T'asl'heure
Elision of Tu
In informal speech, 'tu' contracts to 't'' before a verb starting with a vowel, which is a key feature of sounding like a native speaker.
Avoir (as)
The verb 'avoir' (to have) is used here in the second person singular. Unlike English which uses 'to be' for time, French often uses 'to have' the hour.
🗨In Conversation
T'as l'heure ?
Do you have the time?
Ouais, il est midi pile.
Yeah, it's exactly noon.
✕Common Mistakes
Tu as le temps ?
In French, 'le temps' refers to duration, weather, or time in a general sense. When asking for the clock time, you must use 'l'heure'.
↔Alternatives
Quelle heure est-il ?
What time is it? (Standard)
Il est quelle heure ?
It's what time? (Casual)
Vous avez l'heure ?
Do you have the time? (Polite/Formal)
Cultural Tip
In France, even when asking for something as simple as the time, it is considered polite to preface your request with 'Excusez-moi'. While 'T'as l'heure' is common among peers, using 'tu' with a complete stranger is often seen as too forward.