Portuguese Phrase
Quando é a formatura?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the date or time of the graduation ceremony. It is a straightforward way to inquire about when the event will take place, whether you are a student, a family member, or a friend.
When to use
Use this question when you need to know the schedule of a graduation ceremony, either in a casual chat with classmates or in a more formal conversation with teachers or organizers. It works equally well in spoken Portuguese and in written messages such as emails or WhatsApp.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandoéaformatura?
Quando (interrogative adverb)
‘Quando’ asks about time and is placed at the beginning of a yes‑no or wh‑question.
é (verb ser)
The verb ‘ser’ is used for fixed events like dates, times, and ceremonies; it is conjugated in the third‑person singular.
a formatura (noun phrase)
‘Formatura’ means graduation ceremony; the definite article ‘a’ makes it a specific event.
Question mark
In Portuguese the question mark is placed only at the end of the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Quando é a formatura?
When is the graduation?
É no dia 12 de junho, às 19h, no auditório da universidade.
It’s on June 12th, at 7 p.m., in the university auditorium.
✕Common Mistakes
Quando está a formatura?
‘Estar’ describes temporary states, not fixed events like dates. Use ‘é’ (ser) instead.
Qual é a formatura?
‘Qual’ asks for a choice, not a time. Use ‘quando’ for time‑related questions.
Quando é formatura?
The article ‘a’ is required when referring to a specific ceremony.
↔Alternatives
Qual é a data da formatura?
What is the date of the graduation?
Quando será a formatura?
When will the graduation be?
Quando acontece a formatura?
When does the graduation happen?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, a ‘formatura’ is more than a ceremony; it’s a major milestone celebrated with a party, speeches, and often a formal dress code (tuxedo for men, dress for women). When asking about it, you can also say ‘a cerimônia de formatura’ if you want to sound a bit more formal. In some regions the word ‘colação de grau’ is used for the official degree‑conferring ceremony, while ‘formatura’ usually refers to the whole celebration.