Portuguese Phrase
Começa às 6h30.
Meaning
This phrase is used to indicate the scheduled start time of an event or activity. It utilizes the verb 'começar' in the third-person singular present tense followed by a specific time reference.
When to use
Use this phrase when answering questions about the start time of a movie, a class, a meeting, or any planned event. It is appropriate for both professional and casual settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Começaàs6h30
Começa
The third-person singular present tense of the verb 'começar' (to start).
às
A contraction of the preposition 'a' (at) and the feminine plural article 'as' (the), used before hours.
🗨In Conversation
A que horas é o filme?
What time is the movie?
Começa às 6h30.
It starts at 6:30.
✕Common Mistakes
Começa em 6h30.
In Portuguese, specific times are preceded by the contracted preposition 'às', not 'em'.
Começar às 6h30.
The infinitive form 'começar' should be conjugated to 'começa' to agree with the implied subject 'it'.
↔Alternatives
Inicia às 6h30.
It begins at 6:30.
Vai começar às 6h30.
It is going to start at 6:30.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, the 24-hour clock is common in official schedules, so 6:30 PM would be written as 18h30. When speaking, people often use the 12-hour format and add 'da manhã' or 'da tarde' for clarity.