Italian Phrase
A che ora ceni?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask someone about their dinner schedule in Italian. It uses the specific verb 'cenare', which means 'to have dinner', making the sentence concise and natural for native speakers.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual settings when planning an evening with friends or asking about a host's routine. It is informal because it uses the 'tu' form of the verb.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Acheoraceni
Preposition 'A'
Used before 'che ora' to indicate the specific time an action occurs.
Cenare
The verb 'cenare' is a first-conjugation verb (-are). 'Ceni' is the 'tu' (you singular) present tense form.
🗨In Conversation
Stasera usciamo, a che ora ceni?
We're going out tonight, at what time do you eat dinner?
Ceno presto, verso le sette e mezza.
I eat dinner early, around seven-thirty.
✕Common Mistakes
Che ora ceni?
Always include the preposition 'A' when asking at what time something happens.
A che ora mangi cena?
While understandable, Italians prefer the specific verb 'cenare' over 'mangiare cena'.
↔Alternatives
Quando ceni?
When do you eat dinner?
A che ora è la cena?
At what time is dinner?
Cultural Tip
Dinner in Italy is a social event and typically starts later than in many other countries. While 7:30 PM is common in the North, people in Southern Italy might not sit down to eat until 9:00 PM or later.