Meaning
Referring to the precise current time.
Cultural Background
The 'pips' on Radio România Actualități are a cultural touchstone. Even people who don't listen to the radio know the sound of the 'ora exactă' signal. Being the one who 'gives the exact hour' is a high compliment for a CEO or a company, implying they are the undisputed market leader. TV channels compete to have the most 'exact' countdown. If a channel is 2 seconds behind, viewers might complain on social media. There's an old joke that in some small villages, the 'ora exactă' is whenever the priest rings the church bells, regardless of the actual time.
The 'A Da' Rule
If you want to sound like a native speaker when talking about a leader, use 'a da ora exactă' instead of just saying 'este cel mai bun'.
Avoid 'Timp'
Never say 'timpul exact' when asking for the time. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating from English.
Meaning
Referring to the precise current time.
The 'A Da' Rule
If you want to sound like a native speaker when talking about a leader, use 'a da ora exactă' instead of just saying 'este cel mai bun'.
Avoid 'Timp'
Never say 'timpul exact' when asking for the time. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating from English.
Radio Romania
Mentioning the radio signal for 'ora exactă' is a great conversation starter with older Romanians.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
La radio se anunță ___ ___.
We use the definite article 'ora' and the feminine adjective 'exactă'.
Which sentence uses the figurative meaning of the phrase?
Select the correct option:
Here, it means Apple sets the standard/is the leader.
Match the Romanian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related to time-telling but have different nuances.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Ceasul meu a rămas în urmă. B: Nu-i nimic, caut eu ___ ___ pe Google.
'Ora exactă' is the standard phrase for checking the correct time.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLa radio se anunță ___ ___.
We use the definite article 'ora' and the feminine adjective 'exactă'.
Select the correct option:
Here, it means Apple sets the standard/is the leader.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related to time-telling but have different nuances.
A: Ceasul meu a rămas în urmă. B: Nu-i nimic, caut eu ___ ___ pe Google.
'Ora exactă' is the standard phrase for checking the correct time.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting.
Technically yes, but it's rare. We usually refer to the concept in the singular.
Because 'ora' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be feminine too.
It refers to the hourly beeps on the national radio station.
Say: 'Nu vă supărați, aveți ora exactă?'
Usually, yes. It implies power and influence.
Not really, but 'a da ora exactă' is used in street slang to mean 'to be the boss'.
No, it is only for the time of day (hours, minutes, seconds).
Yes, it is the standard phrase in the Republic of Moldova as well.
There isn't a direct opposite phrase, but you might say 'ora aproximativă'.
Related Phrases
La fix
similarExactly at a certain time.
Cât e ceasul?
similarWhat time is it?
A da tonul
synonymTo set the tone.
În timp util
relatedIn a timely manner.
Ceas de ceas
relatedHour after hour.
