Italian Phrase
Comincia alle 6:30.
Meaning
This phrase is used to state the starting time of an event, such as a movie, a meeting, or a class. It utilizes the verb 'cominciare' (to start) in its third-person singular present form to match a singular subject.
When to use
Use this expression when someone asks for a schedule or when you want to inform others about the beginning of a planned activity. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cominciaalle6:30
Comincia
The third-person singular of 'cominciare'. Note that 'iniziare' is a perfectly valid synonym.
Alle
A contraction of the preposition 'a' and the definite article 'le'. It is used before all hours except one (all'una).
🗨In Conversation
A che ora comincia la lezione?
What time does the lesson start?
Comincia alle 6:30.
It starts at 6:30.
✕Common Mistakes
Comincia a 6:30.
In Italian, specific hours require the articulated preposition 'alle' (a + le) because hours are feminine and plural.
Comincia alle sei trenta.
While understandable, it is more natural to say 'sei e trenta' or 'sei e mezza' in spoken Italian.
↔Alternatives
Inizia alle sei e mezza.
It starts at half past six.
Lo spettacolo è alle 6:30.
The show is at 6:30.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, while the 12-hour clock is common in conversation, the 24-hour clock (e.g., 18:30) is standard for official schedules, train times, and formal invitations. Using 'mezza' (half) is very common for the 30-minute mark.