Spanish Phrase
Son las diez.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to state that the current time is 10:00. It uses the plural verb 'son' and the feminine plural article 'las' because 'horas' (hours) is implied and plural.
When to use
Use this phrase whenever someone asks for the time or you need to announce that it is 10:00. It is appropriate for both AM and PM unless further clarification is needed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonlasdiez
Verb Ser (Son)
The plural form of 'ser' is used for all hours from 2 to 12 because the subject is plural.
Definite Article (las)
The feminine plural article 'las' is used because it refers back to the feminine noun 'horas'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Tienes hora?
Do you have the time?
Sí, son las diez.
Yes, it is ten o'clock.
✕Common Mistakes
Es las diez.
In Spanish, you must use the plural 'son' for any hour except one o'clock.
Son los diez.
Time is always feminine in Spanish because it refers to 'la hora' or 'las horas'.
↔Alternatives
Son las diez en punto.
It is ten o'clock sharp.
Son las diez de la mañana.
It is ten in the morning.
Cultural Tip
While Spanish speakers use the 12-hour format in casual conversation, the 24-hour clock is frequently used for official schedules, flight times, and television listings. To distinguish between morning and night, people add 'de la mañana' or 'de la noche' after the number.