Quinze heures for three o'clock?

Olga A.B2Kwiziq community member

Quinze heures for three o'clock?

In the question "What are ALL the possible ways to say "It is three o'clock." ?", the answer "Il est quinze heures" was marked as the one I missed. However, in English, "quinze heures" would have been "fifteen o'clock" if we are talking about the "o'clock" format. Therefore, I believe this answer is wrong. 
Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Olga,

If it asks you for ALL the possible ways to say ‘it’s three o’clock’,  you would have to include -

‘il est quinze heures’ .

Please note that the French like using the 24 hour clock and that it will sometimes translates as o’clock .

Incidently, the expression means of the clock which means the medium you are getting the time from rather than may be a sundial ...

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Robert,

'Thirteen hundred hours' (13.00) = treize heures = 1 pm.

'Fifteen hundred hours ( 15.00)  = Quinze heures = 3 pm

 

Robert B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

In English (military) language 'quinze heures' is translated as 'thirteen hours'.  In the 12 h vernacular '3 o'clock in the afternoon'

Robert B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

In English (military) language 'quinze heures' is translated as 'thirteen hours'.  In the 12 h vernacular '3 o'clock in the afternoon'

Robert B.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

In English (military) language 'quinze heures' is translated as 'thirteen hours'.  In the 12 h vernacular '3 o'clock in the afternoon'

Quinze heures for three o'clock?

In the question "What are ALL the possible ways to say "It is three o'clock." ?", the answer "Il est quinze heures" was marked as the one I missed. However, in English, "quinze heures" would have been "fifteen o'clock" if we are talking about the "o'clock" format. Therefore, I believe this answer is wrong. 

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...