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Italian Phrase

Sono le tre e cinque.

/ˈso.no le ˈtre e ˈtʃiŋ.kwe/
Meaning"It is five past three."
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Meaning

This phrase is the standard way to tell time in Italian for 3:05. Because hours in Italian are feminine plural nouns (le ore), the verb 'essere' is conjugated in the plural 'sono' and is followed by the feminine plural article 'le'.

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When to use

Use this phrase whenever you are asked for the time or need to specify a time for an appointment. It is appropriate for both formal and informal social settings.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Sonoletreecinque

1

Sono le

Always use 'sono le' for hours 2 through 12. Only 'l'una' (one o'clock) uses the singular 'è'.

2

e

The conjunction 'e' (and) is used to separate the hour from the minutes when telling time.

🗨In Conversation

A

Scusi, che ore sono?

Excuse me, what time is it?

Sono le tre e cinque.

It is five past three.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • È le tre e cinque.

    In Italian, you must use the plural verb 'sono' for all hours except one o'clock, noon, and midnight.

  • Sono tre e cinque.

    You must include the definite article 'le' before the number when stating the hour.

↔Alternatives

  • Sono le quindici e cinque.

    It is 15:05.

  • Le tre e cinque.

    Three-five (casual).

it

Cultural Tip

Italians typically use the 12-hour clock in casual conversation but switch to the 24-hour clock (military time) for official schedules, movie times, and appointments. If you want to specify AM or PM without using 24-hour time, you can add 'di pomeriggio' (in the afternoon) or 'di notte' (at night).