Italian Phrase
Sono le due e venti.
Meaning
The sentence means “It’s two twenty” or “It’s 2:20.” In Italian, time is usually given in a 24‑hour format, but the 12‑hour clock is also common in everyday speech. The phrase is neutral and can be used in any informal or formal setting.
When to use
Use this expression whenever you need to state the exact time, such as answering a question like “Che ore sono?” (What time is it?) or announcing a schedule.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonoledueeventi
Verb 'Essere' (Sono)
The verb 'essere' is used to tell time. 'Sono' is the first person singular present form, but in time expressions it functions impersonally.
Definite article 'le'
When telling time for hours other than one o'clock, use the plural feminine article 'le' before the hour number.
Hour numbers (due)
Hours are expressed as cardinal numbers; 'due' means two.
Connector 'e'
The conjunction 'e' links the hour with the minutes, similar to 'and' in English.
Minutes (venti)
Minutes are also expressed as cardinal numbers; 'venti' means twenty.
🗨In Conversation
Che ore sono?
What time is it?
Sono le due e venti.
It’s two twenty.
✕Common Mistakes
Sono il due e venti.
Use the plural article 'le' for hours other than one; 'il' is singular and incorrect here.
Sono le due e venti minuti.
While understandable, adding 'minuti' is redundant in everyday speech.
Sono le due venti.
The conjunction 'e' is required between hour and minutes.
↔Alternatives
Sono le due e venti minuti.
It’s two twenty minutes.
Sono le 14:20.
It’s 14:20.
Sono le due e venti di pomeriggio.
It’s 2:20 PM.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, people often use the 24‑hour clock for timetables, train stations, and formal contexts, but in casual conversation the 12‑hour clock with ‘di mattina’, ‘di pomeriggio’, ‘di sera’ is common. Adding the period of the day (mattina, pomeriggio, sera) helps avoid ambiguity, especially for times between 1 p.m. and 12 a.m.