Spanish Phrase
Son las cinco y cuarto.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say it is 5:15 in Spanish. It uses the plural verb 'son' because hours other than one are considered plural, and 'cuarto' represents a fifteen-minute interval or a quarter of an hour.
When to use
Use this phrase whenever you need to tell someone the current time or confirm a scheduled event at 5:15 PM or AM. It is appropriate for both casual conversation and formal appointments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonlascincoycuarto
Ser (Son)
The verb 'ser' is used to tell time; 'son' is required for any hour from 2 to 12.
Feminine Articles
Hours are feminine in Spanish because they refer to 'la hora' or 'las horas,' hence the use of 'las'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Tienes hora?
Do you have the time?
Sí, son las cinco y cuarto.
Yes, it's quarter past five.
✕Common Mistakes
Es las cinco y cuarto.
In Spanish, you must use the plural verb 'son' for all hours except one o'clock.
Son las cinco y cuatro.
Be careful not to confuse 'cuatro' (the number 4) with 'cuarto' (a quarter or 15 minutes).
↔Alternatives
Son las cinco quince.
It's five fifteen.
Son las diecisiete y quince.
It is seventeen fifteen (used in 24-hour formats).
Cultural Tip
While 'cuarto' is the most common way to express fifteen minutes past the hour, some Latin American countries might simply say 'cinco y quince.' Additionally, in spoken Spanish, the 12-hour clock is preferred, often followed by 'de la tarde' (in the afternoon) to avoid confusion.