Italian Phrase
A che ora è il tuo appuntamento?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask for the specific time of a scheduled event or meeting. It utilizes the preposition 'a' (at) combined with 'che ora' (what hour) to inquire about a precise point on the clock. It is the standard way to ask about schedules in Italian.
When to use
Use this phrase in professional or personal contexts to clarify when a meeting, doctor's visit, or date is supposed to start. It is appropriate for both formal and informal conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Acheoraèiltuoappuntamento
A che ora
This is the standard interrogative locution to ask 'at what time'. 'Ora' means hour.
è
This is the third-person singular present tense of 'essere' (to be), used here to identify the time of the event.
il tuo
The possessive adjective 'your'. Unlike English, Italian possessives almost always require a definite article like 'il'.
🗨In Conversation
Devo andare dal medico oggi pomeriggio.
I have to go to the doctor this afternoon.
A che ora è il tuo appuntamento?
At what time is your appointment?
✕Common Mistakes
Quale ora è il tuo appuntamento?
In Italian, 'a che ora' is the fixed expression for 'at what time', whereas 'quale ora' is a literal translation of 'which hour' that is not used.
A che ora ha il tuo appuntamento?
Use the verb 'essere' (è) to indicate the time an event occurs, rather than 'avere' (ha).
↔Alternatives
Quando hai l'appuntamento?
When do you have the appointment?
A che ora ci vediamo?
What time are we meeting?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, business and medical appointments require strict punctuality, whereas social gatherings may allow for a small 'academic' delay. Italians often use the 24-hour clock for official schedules (e.g., train times), but the 12-hour clock is more common in spoken conversation.