Italian Phrase
Sono le dieci.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to express that the current time is 10:00. In Italian, hours are considered plural (except for one o'clock, noon, and midnight), so the plural verb and article are required.
When to use
Use this phrase whenever you are asked for the time or need to announce that it is ten o'clock. It is appropriate for both casual conversations and professional environments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonoledieci
Sono
The third-person plural form of the verb 'essere' (to be), used because the hours are plural.
le
The feminine plural definite article, which must always precede the hour number in Italian.
🗨In Conversation
Scusa, sai che ore sono?
Excuse me, do you know what time it is?
Sì, sono le dieci.
Yes, it is ten o'clock.
✕Common Mistakes
È le dieci.
In Italian, you must use the plural verb 'sono' for any hour from 2 to 12.
Sono dieci.
You must include the feminine plural article 'le' before the number when telling time.
↔Alternatives
Sono le dieci in punto.
It is exactly ten o'clock.
Sono le ventidue.
It is 22:00 (10 PM).
Cultural Tip
While Italians use the 24-hour clock for official schedules like trains or movies, they typically use the 12-hour clock in daily conversation. If you need to clarify AM or PM, you can add 'di mattina' (in the morning) or 'di sera' (in the evening).