Italian Phrase
A che ora si cena?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask about dinner time in Italian. It uses the impersonal 'si' construction, which implies a general 'one' or 'we' rather than focusing on a specific person. It is a fundamental phrase for navigating social invitations and understanding restaurant schedules.
When to use
Use this phrase when asking a host at what time a meal will be served or when inquiring at a hotel or restaurant about their dinner service hours. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ache orasicena
A che ora
This set phrase means 'at what hour' and is the standard way to ask for the timing of a specific event.
Si impersonale
The particle 'si' before the verb 'cena' creates an impersonal construction, meaning 'one dines' or 'people dine'.
Cenare
The verb 'cenare' is an -are verb meaning 'to dine'. Here it is conjugated in the third-person singular to match the impersonal 'si'.
🗨In Conversation
Scusi, a che ora si cena stasera?
Excuse me, what time is dinner tonight?
Di solito ceniamo verso le otto e mezza.
Usually we dine around eight-thirty.
✕Common Mistakes
A che ora mangi cena?
In Italian, 'cenare' is a dedicated verb; you do not 'eat dinner' as a verb-noun combination like in English.
Che ora è la cena?
Use 'A che ora' to ask about the scheduled time of an event, rather than 'Che ora è' which asks for the current time.
↔Alternatives
Quando ceniamo?
When are we dining?
A che ora aprite per cena?
What time do you open for dinner?
Cultural Tip
Dinner in Italy typically starts much later than in many other countries, usually between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM. In southern regions, it is not uncommon to see families sitting down to eat as late as 10:00 PM, and many restaurants will not even open their doors before 7:30 PM.