Italian Phrase
Quando inizia?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask about the starting time of an event, show, or activity. It combines the interrogative 'quando' (when) with the third-person singular form of the verb 'iniziare' (to start). It is direct and versatile for various situations.
When to use
Use this when you are waiting for a movie to begin, a class to start, or a scheduled meeting to commence. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandoinizia
Quando
An interrogative adverb meaning 'when', used to ask about time.
Inizia
The third-person singular present indicative of 'iniziare' (to start/begin).
🗨In Conversation
Scusi, quando inizia il film?
Excuse me, when does the movie start?
Inizia tra dieci minuti.
It starts in ten minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Quando inizio?
'Inizio' is the first-person singular (I start). Use 'inizia' for 'it' or the event.
Quando è inizia?
Do not use the auxiliary verb 'essere' with the present tense of 'iniziare' in this context.
↔Alternatives
A che ora comincia?
At what time does it begin?
Quando parte?
When does it depart/leave?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, social events like dinners might start a bit later than the official time, but professional meetings and cinema screenings are generally punctual. 'Cominciare' is a perfectly interchangeable synonym for 'iniziare'.