Italian Phrase
Sono le otto meno un quarto.
Meaning
The sentence tells the current time: it is fifteen minutes before eight o’clock, i.e., 7:45. In Italian, this is the most natural way to express a 'quarter to' the hour.
When to use
Use this phrase in everyday conversation when you need to give the exact time, especially in informal settings, appointments, or when coordinating plans.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonoleottomenounquarto
Essere (sono)
Use the verb 'sono' (first person plural of 'essere') to state the current time; it agrees with the plural noun 'ore' implied.
Definite article 'le'
When telling time, the feminine plural article 'le' precedes the hour number (except for 'una' hour).
Meno for 'to' in time
'Meno' is used to indicate minutes subtracted from the next hour, e.g., 'otto meno un quarto' = quarter to eight.
Un quarto
'Un quarto' literally means 'a quarter' and refers to fifteen minutes.
🗨In Conversation
Che ore sono?
What time is it?
Sono le otto meno un quarto.
It's quarter to eight.
✕Common Mistakes
È le otto meno un quarto.
The verb must agree with the plural implied noun 'ore'; use 'sono' not 'è'.
Otto meno un quarto.
When stating the time, you need the verb 'sono' at the beginning.
Sono le otto meno di un quarto.
Use 'meno' alone for the subtraction; adding 'di' changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Sono le sette e quarantacinque.
It is seven forty‑five.
Sono le otto meno quindici minuti.
It is eight minus fifteen minutes.
Sono le otto meno un quarto d'ora.
It is a quarter to eight.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the 'meno' construction is preferred for times from 31 to 59 minutes past the hour (e.g., 'otto meno venti' for 7:40). In formal contexts, especially on schedules or timetables, the 24‑hour format (e.g., '19:45') is used, but in spoken language the 'meno' form is common and sounds natural.