Portuguese Phrase
São três e cinco.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to tell time in Portuguese when it is five minutes after three o'clock. The word 'são' is the plural form of the verb 'ser', used because 'três' (three) is plural. It follows the common pattern of stating the hour followed by the conjunction 'e' and then the minutes.
When to use
Use this phrase whenever someone asks for the time or you need to state the current time specifically at 3:05. It is appropriate for both formal and informal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sãotrêsecinco
São (Verb Ser)
The plural form of the verb 'ser' is used because hours 2 through 12 are considered plural in Portuguese.
Conjunction 'e'
Unlike English, Portuguese requires the conjunction 'e' (and) between the hour and the minutes.
🗨In Conversation
Que horas são?
What time is it?
São três e cinco.
It's five past three.
✕Common Mistakes
É três e cinco.
Use 'são' for all hours except one o'clock, as hours from two onwards are plural.
São três cinco.
In Portuguese, you must include the conjunction 'e' between the hour and the minutes.
↔Alternatives
São três horas e cinco minutos.
It is three hours and five minutes.
São três e cinco da tarde.
It's 3:05 in the afternoon.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, people often use the 24-hour clock for official schedules like train times, but in daily conversation, the 12-hour clock is preferred. To clarify whether it is AM or PM, speakers often add 'da madrugada' (early morning) or 'da tarde' (afternoon).