A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "It's three o'clock" in Italian
Say 'Sono le tre' to tell someone it's three o'clock in Italian.
Sono le tre.
SO-noh lay trehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone asks you for the time, or when you need to state the current hour. For example, if you're meeting someone at 3 PM, you might say 'Ci vediamo alle tre' (See you at three).
Alternatives
- È l'una.Used only for one o'clock.
- Sono le tre in punto.Emphasizes that it's exactly three o'clock, with no minutes past.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'È' instead of 'Sono'
For any hour other than one o'clock, use 'Sono le' (they are) because 'le ore' (the hours) is implied and plural.
Forgetting 'le'
Always include the definite article 'le' before the hour, unless it's one o'clock ('È l'una').
A small cultural note
Italians are generally punctual, so knowing the time is important for appointments and social gatherings.
Frequently asked
How to say 3 PM in Italian?
You say 'Sono le tre' for three o'clock, whether it's AM or PM. Context usually makes it clear, or you can add 'del mattino' (in the morning) or 'del pomeriggio' (in the afternoon).
What is the difference between 'È l'una' and 'Sono le tre'?
'È l'una' is used exclusively for one o'clock, using the singular verb 'è'. 'Sono le tre' is used for three o'clock and all other hours, using the plural verb 'sono'.
Can I say 'Tre ore' for three o'clock?
No, 'Tre ore' means 'three hours' and refers to a duration of time, not the specific time of day.
