Questions & Answers about Il est sept heures moins cinq.
Why do we use Il est here instead of C'est for "It is"?
When telling the time of day in French, you always use the phrase Il est. Even though C'est also means "It is" in other contexts, it is never used for the clock. Think of Il est as the strict rule for telling time!
How does moins cinq translate to "five to"?
Why isn't the French word for "minutes" used in this sentence?
When telling time, the word for "minutes" is almost always dropped in French. You just say the number, like cinq, and it is perfectly understood without needing to add the word for minutes.
Why does heures have an "s" at the end?
Because it is plural! In French, you are literally counting the hours. Any time from two o'clock onwards requires an "s" at the end of heures, even though the "s" is completely silent when spoken.