Italian Phrase
Quando esce?
Meaning
A concise question asking for the release date or time of something – a film, a book, a concert, a product, or any event that will ‘come out’ in the future.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to know when a new movie, album, book, app, or any upcoming item will be released. It works in both informal and semi‑formal conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandoesce?
Quando (interrogative adverb)
‘Quando’ means ‘when’ and is used to ask about time. It does not change form for gender or number.
esce (3rd person singular of uscire)
‘esce’ is the present indicative of ‘uscire’ (to go out, to be released). The subject is implied by context (it, he, she, or a thing).
Implied subject
Italian often drops the subject pronoun; the verb ending tells you who is speaking about. Here ‘esce’ can refer to a movie, a book, a product, etc.
🗨In Conversation
Quando esce il nuovo film di Tarantino?
When does Tarantino’s new movie come out?
Esce il 12 ottobre, proprio al cinema più vicino.
It comes out on October 12, right at the nearest cinema.
✕Common Mistakes
Quando esci?
‘esci’ is second‑person singular (you go out). Use ‘esce’ for a third‑person subject like a movie or a product.
Quando è uscito il libro?
‘è uscito’ is past tense (has come out). Use present or future when you’re asking about a future release.
Quando è uscito?
Missing the subject; Italian prefers a clear subject or context. Add the item you’re asking about, e.g., ‘Quando è uscito il film?’
↔Alternatives
Quando uscirà?
When will it be released?
Qual è la data di uscita?
What is the release date?
Quando sarà disponibile?
When will it be available?
Cultural Tip
In Italian, ‘uscire’ is the go‑to verb for any product or media that is launched – movies, books, music, apps, even fashion collections. In formal settings you might add a polite opener like ‘Mi scusi, ma…’ before asking. Remember that the subject is often omitted, so the listener must infer what you’re referring to from context.