Italian Phrase
Quando sei libero?
Meaning
Literally, "When are you free?" It is a casual way to ask someone about their availability for a meeting, a phone call, or any activity.
When to use
Use this question with friends, family, or colleagues you know well. In a formal setting you would switch to the polite form (Quando è libero?) or use "Lei".
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandoseilibero?
Quando (interrogative adverb)
Used to ask about time; placed at the beginning of a question.
sei (2nd person singular of essere)
Present tense of the verb "to be" used with "tu" (you, informal).
libero (adjective, masculine singular)
Means "free" or "available"; must agree in gender and number with the subject.
🗨In Conversation
Quando sei libero?
When are you free?
Sono libero domani pomeriggio.
I’m free tomorrow afternoon.
✕Common Mistakes
Quando sei libera?
Use the masculine form "libero" when speaking to a male or when the gender is unknown; "libera" is only for a female addressee.
Quando sei liberi?
The adjective must match the singular subject "tu"; "liberi" is plural.
Quando sei libero?
When speaking formally you must use "è" with "Lei" (Quando è libero?).
↔Alternatives
Quando hai tempo?
When do you have time?
Qual è il tuo orario libero?
What is your free time slot?
Quando possiamo incontrarci?
When can we meet?
Cultural Tip
In Italy the informal "sei" is used only with people you know well. With strangers, elders, or in business you should use the formal "Lei": "Quando è libero?" Also, "libero" refers to free time, not political freedom, so the phrase is perfectly safe in any casual context.