Portuguese Phrase
Começa às nove da manhã.
Meaning
This phrase is used to indicate the starting time of a specific event or activity. It combines the verb 'começar' (to start) with a time expression to clarify exactly when something begins.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks about the schedule of a meeting, a class, or a store's opening hours. It is appropriate for both formal and informal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Começaàsnovedamanhã
Começa
The third-person singular present form of 'começar', meaning 'it starts'.
Às
A contraction of the preposition 'a' and the feminine plural article 'as', required before hours.
Da manhã
Literally 'of the morning', used to specify that the time is in the AM period.
🗨In Conversation
A que horas é a reunião?
What time is the meeting?
Começa às nove da manhã.
It starts at nine in the morning.
✕Common Mistakes
Começa em nove da manhã.
Use 'às' for specific hours instead of 'em'.
Começa às nove de manhã.
The correct contraction is 'da' (de + a) to specify 'of the' morning.
↔Alternatives
Inicia às nove.
It begins at nine.
É às nove da manhã.
It is at nine in the morning.
Cultural Tip
While the 24-hour clock is common in formal schedules in Portuguese-speaking countries, people usually use the 12-hour format in conversation. Adding 'da manhã' or 'da noite' is essential to avoid confusion between AM and PM.