French Phrase
Le spectacle commence à quelle heure ?
Meaning
This question asks for the exact time a performance (theatre, concert, circus, etc.) will begin. It is a polite, neutral way to request schedule information.
When to use
Use it when you are at a ticket desk, talking to friends about a show, or checking a programme. It works in both formal and informal contexts, though it is slightly more formal than “c’est à quelle heure le spectacle ?”.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lespectaclecommenceàquelleheure?
Le (definite article)
Masculine singular definite article used before a masculine noun.
spectacle (noun)
Masculine noun meaning ‘show’ or ‘performance’.
commence (verb)
Third‑person singular present of commencer ‘to begin/start’.
à (preposition)
Introduces the time at which something happens.
quelle (interrogative adjective)
Feminine form of ‘what/which’; must agree with the feminine noun heure.
heure (noun)
Feminine noun meaning ‘hour’; used to ask for a specific time.
🗨In Conversation
Le spectacle commence à quelle heure ?
What time does the show start?
Il commence à 20h30.
It starts at 8:30 p.m.
✕Common Mistakes
Le spectacle commence à quel heure ?
‘Heure’ is feminine, so the interrogative adjective must be ‘quelle’.
Le spectacle commence à quelle heure à ?
Do not add an extra preposition after ‘commencer’; the correct structure is ‘commencer à + time’.
↔Alternatives
À quelle heure débute le spectacle ?
At what time does the show begin?
Le spectacle débute à quelle heure ?
The show begins at what time?
C’est à quelle heure le spectacle ?
What time is the show?
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking countries performances usually start exactly on time; arriving even a few minutes late can be considered rude. If you’re late, it’s common to wait for an intermission or a natural pause before entering. Also, “spectacle” can refer to any live performance, so the context (theatre, concert, circus) will shape the level of formality.