Italian Phrase
Sono quasi le dieci.
Meaning
This phrase is a common way to express that the time is approaching 10:00. It uses the plural verb 'sono' because hours in Italian (except for one, noon, and midnight) are treated as plural nouns.
When to use
Use this phrase in any situation where you need to give the approximate time, such as when checking a watch or responding to someone's question about the hour. It is suitable for both casual and professional environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonoquasiledieci
Sono (Verb)
This is the third-person plural of 'essere' (to be). It is used for time because hours are considered plural entities.
Le (Article)
The feminine plural definite article 'le' must always precede the number when stating the hour in Italian.
🗨In Conversation
Scusi, che ore sono?
Excuse me, what time is it?
Sono quasi le dieci.
It's almost ten o'clock.
✕Common Mistakes
È quasi le dieci.
In Italian, time is plural for all hours except 1:00, so you must use the plural verb 'sono' instead of the singular 'è'.
Sono quasi dieci.
Always include the feminine plural article 'le' before the hour number.
↔Alternatives
Mancano pochi minuti alle dieci.
It's a few minutes to ten.
Sono le dieci meno cinque.
It's five to ten.
Cultural Tip
While Italians use the 24-hour clock for official schedules like trains or theater times, they typically use the 12-hour clock in daily conversation. If context doesn't make it clear, you can add 'di sera' (in the evening) or 'di mattina' (in the morning).