Significado
To state what time it is.
Contexto cultural
Asking for the time is a socially acceptable way to talk to a stranger, but 'La bise' or a handshake is never expected afterward. It is a purely functional interaction. In the land of watchmaking, 'donner l'heure' carries a connotation of precision. Being 'à l'heure' (on time) is a national pride. In Quebec, you might hear 'Quelle heure qu'il est ?' as a question, but the response still involves 'donner l'heure'.
The 'Pardon' Rule
Always start with 'Pardon' or 'Excusez-moi' before asking someone to 'donner l'heure'. It's the golden rule of French social interaction.
The Negative Meaning
If someone says 'Je ne lui donnerais pas l'heure', they really dislike that person! It's a strong way to show contempt.
Significado
To state what time it is.
The 'Pardon' Rule
Always start with 'Pardon' or 'Excusez-moi' before asking someone to 'donner l'heure'. It's the golden rule of French social interaction.
The Negative Meaning
If someone says 'Je ne lui donnerais pas l'heure', they really dislike that person! It's a strong way to show contempt.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct verb.
Pardon Monsieur, est-ce que vous pouvez me ___ l'heure ?
'Donner l'heure' is the standard idiom for asking someone the time.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a stranger for the time?
Choose the best option:
The conditional 'auriez-vous' and 's'il vous plaît' make it the most polite.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Ma montre ne donne plus l'heure. | 2. Je ne lui donnerais pas l'heure.
The first is literal/functional; the second is a figurative expression of contempt.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Zut ! Mon téléphone est éteint. B: Ne t'inquiète pas, l'horloge de la mairie ___.
Public clocks 'donnent l'heure' to the public.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Who 'donne l'heure'?
Objects
- • Une montre
- • Une horloge
- • Un clocher
People
- • Un passant
- • Un ami
- • Le professeur
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosPardon Monsieur, est-ce que vous pouvez me ___ l'heure ?
'Donner l'heure' is the standard idiom for asking someone the time.
Choose the best option:
The conditional 'auriez-vous' and 's'il vous plaît' make it the most polite.
1. Ma montre ne donne plus l'heure. | 2. Je ne lui donnerais pas l'heure.
The first is literal/functional; the second is a figurative expression of contempt.
A: Zut ! Mon téléphone est éteint. B: Ne t'inquiète pas, l'horloge de la mairie ___.
Public clocks 'donnent l'heure' to the public.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasYes, but it sounds like you are talking about a child learning to read a clock. For asking a person, 'donner' is much more natural.
It is neutral. It becomes formal or informal based on the surrounding words (e.g., 'Pourriez-vous' vs 'Tu peux').
'Le temps' is time in the abstract. 'L'heure' is the time on the clock. You give the clock time, not the concept of time.
Yes, if you are asking them to tell *you* the time. 'Donner l'heure' alone describes the general act.
Frases relacionadas
Être à l'heure
similarTo be on time
Remettre les pendules à l'heure
builds onTo set the record straight
Passer l'heure
contrastTo miss the time / To be past the time
