Comment dit-on 18h45 ?

Telling Time Like a Parisian: Mastering “18h45” in French

Understanding how the French express time can be a fascinating glimpse into their culture and linguistic nuances. While simply translating “18h45” as “eighteen hours forty-five” – dix-huit heures quarante-cinq – is perfectly correct, it’s rarely the way a native French speaker would actually phrase it. To truly sound like you belong in a Parisian bistro, you need to embrace the alternative, and more common, approach.

The key lies in their tendency to think in terms of the upcoming hour rather than strictly stating the current time. This is where “sept heures moins le quart” comes into play. Let’s break it down:

• “Sept heures” translates to “seven hours,” referring to 7 PM.
• “Moins le quart” means “minus a quarter,” indicating 15 minutes before the hour.

Therefore, “sept heures moins le quart” literally means “seven o’clock minus a quarter,” conveying that it’s a quarter to seven, or 6:45 PM. This method, while initially seeming more complex, is incredibly common in everyday conversation.

Why this preference? It’s likely a combination of factors:

• Elegance: Using “moins le quart” adds a certain flair and sophistication to the way time is expressed.
• Efficiency: While it might seem longer, it can be quicker to mentally process the time in relation to the next hour, especially in a fast-paced conversation.
• Cultural Norm: Language reflects cultural values. The French emphasis on anticipating and planning might be subtly reflected in this way of expressing time.

So, the next time you need to tell someone it’s 6:45 PM in French, ditch the “dix-huit heures quarante-cinq” and confidently declare “sept heures moins le quart.” You’ll not only be understood but will also demonstrate a deeper understanding of the French language and culture. You’ll be one step closer to blending in seamlessly with the locals, and that’s toujours une bonne chose (always a good thing)!