Spanish Phrase
Son las siete menos cuarto.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to express the time 6:45 in Spanish. It literally translates to 'They are the seven minus a quarter,' indicating that fifteen minutes remain before the hour of seven. It is widely used across the Spanish-speaking world for both formal and informal time-telling.
When to use
Use this phrase whenever someone asks for the time or you need to specify a meeting time that falls at 6:45. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, scheduling appointments, and checking public transport schedules.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sonlassietemenoscuarto
Son las
Used to indicate 'It is' for all hours from 2 to 12 because hours are considered plural feminine nouns.
Menos
Used after the 30-minute mark to subtract minutes from the next hour, similar to 'to' or 'before' in English.
Cuarto
Refers to a 'quarter' of an hour, which is always fifteen minutes.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué hora es, por favor?
What time is it, please?
Son las siete menos cuarto.
It is a quarter to seven.
✕Common Mistakes
Es las siete menos cuarto.
Always use the plural verb 'son' for any hour other than one o'clock.
Son las siete y cuarto.
Use 'menos' to subtract time from the hour; 'y' would mean 7:15.
↔Alternatives
Son las seis y cuarenta y cinco.
It is six forty-five.
Faltan quince para las siete.
It is fifteen until seven.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, telling time using the 'minus' (menos) method is the most natural way to speak once the clock passes the half-hour mark. While digital-style time (6:45) is perfectly understood, using 'menos cuarto' helps you sound more like a local. Note that in parts of Latin America, you may also hear 'quince para las siete'.