Portuguese Phrase
Quando é a festa?
Meaning
A direct question asking for the date or time of a party. It’s the most common way to find out when an event will happen in Portuguese.
When to use
Use this phrase whenever you need to confirm the schedule of a social gathering, birthday party, wedding, or any celebration. It works in both informal chats with friends and more formal contexts like asking a colleague about a company event.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandoéafesta?
Quando (interrogative adverb)
Used to ask about time or date. It does not change form for gender or number.
é (ser, 3rd person singular)
The verb 'ser' is used for permanent characteristics and for telling the time or date.
a festa (definite article + noun)
The article 'a' marks the noun 'festa' (party) as specific and feminine.
🗨In Conversation
Quando é a festa?
When is the party?
É neste sábado à noite, às oito horas.
It’s this Saturday night, at eight o’clock.
✕Common Mistakes
Quando tem a festa?
Use 'é' (ser) for asking the time/date, not 'tem' (ter).
Qual é a festa?
‘Qual’ asks for a choice, not a time. Use ‘Quando’ for time.
Quando e a festa?
Don’t forget the accent on ‘é’; without it the meaning changes.
↔Alternatives
Qual é a data da festa?
What is the date of the party?
Quando vai acontecer a festa?
When will the party happen?
A festa será quando?
When will the party be?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, parties (festas) are often spontaneous and start a bit later than the announced time. It’s polite to ask 'Quando é a festa?' early enough to plan, but also be prepared for a relaxed schedule. If you’re invited to a birthday ‘festa de aniversário’, confirming the time shows respect for the host’s planning.