Italian Phrase
Sono già passate le undici.
Meaning
This phrase is used to indicate that the time has already exceeded 11:00. The word 'già' adds emphasis to the fact that it is later than expected or that time has flown by.
When to use
Use this phrase when checking the time and realizing it is late, or when explaining why you need to leave or go to bed. It is common in both casual and formal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonogiàpassatele undici
Essere (sono)
The verb 'essere' is used in the plural 'sono' because time in Italian is treated as plural (the hours).
Agreement
'Passate' is the feminine plural past participle of 'passare', agreeing with the feminine plural article 'le'.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi un altro caffè?
Do you want another coffee?
No grazie, sono già passate le undici.
No thanks, it is already past eleven.
✕Common Mistakes
È già passato le undici.
In Italian, hours are plural (except for one o'clock), so the verb 'essere' and the past participle must be plural and feminine to match 'le ore'.
Sono già passato le undici.
The past participle 'passate' must agree in gender (feminine) and number (plural) with the implied subject 'le ore'.
↔Alternatives
È tardi.
It is late.
Sono le undici passate.
It's past eleven.
Cultural Tip
Italians often use the 24-hour clock for official schedules like trains or movies, but in daily conversation, the 12-hour clock is standard. When saying 'le undici', context usually makes it clear if you mean AM or PM, though Italians tend to stay out later than many other cultures.