Italian Phrase
Ceniamo alle 19.
Meaning
This phrase indicates the time at which a group intends to have dinner. It uses the first-person plural form of the verb 'cenare' and specifies the time using the 24-hour format, which is very common in Italy for schedules and appointments.
When to use
Use this phrase when coordinating evening plans with friends, family, or colleagues. It is a direct way to state a scheduled mealtime.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ceniamoalle19
Ceniamo
The 'noi' (we) form of the regular -are verb 'cenare'. In Italian, the subject pronoun is usually dropped because the ending -iamo clearly identifies the subject.
Alle
This is a 'preposizione articolata' combining 'a' (at) and 'le' (the). It is required when stating the time for any hour other than one o'clock, noon, or midnight.
🗨In Conversation
A che ora ci vediamo per mangiare?
What time shall we meet to eat?
Ceniamo alle 19.
We eat dinner at 7 PM.
✕Common Mistakes
Ceniamo a 19.
In Italian, you must use the articulated preposition 'alle' before hours (except for 'l'una').
Noi abbiamo cena alle 19.
Italians prefer using the specific verb 'cenare' rather than 'avere cena'.
↔Alternatives
Mangiamo alle sette.
We eat at seven.
La cena è alle 19.
Dinner is at 7 PM.
Cultural Tip
While 7 PM (19:00) is a common dinner time in Northern Europe, Italians typically eat later, often between 8 PM and 9 PM. Proposing dinner at 19:00 might be considered quite early in many parts of Italy, especially in the South.