Italian Phrase
Lo spettacolo comincia alle otto di sera.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that a performance – a play, concert, or any show – will start at eight o’clock in the evening. It is a concise way to give a schedule detail.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are announcing the start time of a cultural event, confirming plans with friends, or reading a program brochure. It works both in formal announcements and casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lospettacolocominciaalleottodisera
Lo (definite article)
Use "lo" before masculine singular nouns that start with s + consonant, z, ps, gn, or a vowel.
Cominciare (verb)
Third‑person singular present of "cominciare" (to begin/start) is "comincia".
Alle (a + le)
The preposition "a" (at) contracts with the feminine plural article "le" to form "alle" when telling time.
Otto (cardinal number)
When giving the hour, use the cardinal number without the article: "otto" (eight).
Di sera (time of day)
"Di sera" means "in the evening"; it follows the hour to specify the part of the day.
🗨In Conversation
A che ora inizia lo spettacolo?
What time does the show start?
Lo spettacolo comincia alle otto di sera.
The show starts at eight in the evening.
✕Common Mistakes
Lo spettacolo comincia a le otto di sera.
The preposition "a" contracts with "le" to become "alle"; writing them separately is incorrect.
Il spettacolo comincia alle otto di sera.
Because "spettacolo" starts with s + consonant, the correct article is "lo", not "il".
Lo spettacolo comincia a le otto di sera.
Do not insert an extra "a" before "le"; the contraction already includes the preposition.
Lo spettacolo comincia alle otto di notte.
"di notte" means "at night" and is not used for a specific hour like eight o’clock.
↔Alternatives
Lo spettacolo inizia alle otto di sera.
The show starts at eight in the evening.
Lo spettacolo parte alle otto di sera.
The show begins at eight in the evening.
Lo spettacolo comincia alle otto di pomeriggio.
The show starts at eight in the afternoon.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, "di sera" is the standard way to say "in the evening" (roughly 7 p.m. onward). If you say "di pomeriggio" you refer to the afternoon, so choose the phrase that matches the actual time of the event. Formal programs often use "comincia" while everyday speech may prefer "inizia" or "parte". Also, remember that "lo spettacolo" can refer to theater, concerts, TV shows, or even a circus performance, depending on context.