Italian Phrase
Lo spettacolo comincia alle otto.
Meaning
The sentence tells you that a performance, concert, or any kind of show will start at eight o’clock. It is a straightforward way to give the start time of an event.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to inform someone about the exact starting time of a theatrical performance, concert, movie screening, or any scheduled show. It works both in formal announcements and casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lospettacolocominciaalleotto
Lo (definite article)
Use "lo" before masculine singular nouns that start with s + consonant, z, ps, gn, or a vowel.
spettacolo (noun)
Masculine singular noun meaning "show" or "performance".
comincia (verb)
Third‑person singular present of "cominciare" (to begin). It is interchangeable with "iniziare" but sounds slightly more informal.
alle (preposition + article)
"Alle" is the contraction of "a" + "le" and is used to indicate a specific time (e.g., "alle otto" = at eight).
otto (cardinal number)
The number eight; when telling time it is used without the article.
🗨In Conversation
A che ora inizia lo spettacolo?
What time does the show start?
Lo spettacolo comincia alle otto.
The show starts at eight.
✕Common Mistakes
Il spettacolo comincia alle otto.
Use "lo" because "spettacolo" starts with s + consonant.
Lo spettacolo comincia a le otto.
The correct contraction is "alle".
Lo spettacolo comincia a otto.
When indicating time you need the article "le" (as part of "alle").
↔Alternatives
Lo spettacolo inizia alle otto.
The show begins at eight.
Lo spettacolo parte alle otto.
The show kicks off at eight.
Lo spettacolo è alle otto.
The show is at eight.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, theatrical and concert performances are usually punctual, but it’s considered courteous to arrive a few minutes early to find your seat. "Cominciare" is more colloquial, while "iniziare" sounds a bit more formal; both are correct in this context. Also, remember that "alle" is only used with clock times – you would say "alle otto e mezza" (at half past eight) or "alle nove" (at nine).