Portuguese Phrase
Quando é o show?
Meaning
A direct way to ask for the scheduled time of a concert, theater performance, or any live event. It’s a neutral, everyday question that works in both informal and semi‑formal settings.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re planning to attend a performance and need to know the exact time it starts—whether you’re talking with friends, a ticket clerk, or a host at a party.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandoéoshow?
Quando (interrogative adverb)
Used to ask about the time of an event; placed at the beginning of a question.
é (ser, 3rd person singular)
The verb ser is used to indicate the time something happens, similar to English 'is'.
o (definite article)
The masculine article that agrees with the noun 'show'.
show (borrowed noun)
A masculine noun borrowed from English, meaning a concert, performance, or any live event.
🗨In Conversation
Quando é o show?
When is the show?
É às oito da noite, no Teatro Municipal.
It’s at eight p.m., at the Municipal Theatre.
✕Common Mistakes
Qual é o show?
"Qual" asks for identification, not time. Use "quando" or "a que horas" for timing.
Quando está o show?
The verb "estar" is used for temporary states, not for scheduled times. Use "é" (ser).
É o show quando?
In Portuguese the interrogative word stays at the start of the sentence.
↔Alternatives
A que horas é o show?
What time is the show?
Qual é o horário do show?
What’s the schedule for the show?
Quando começa o show?
When does the show start?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "show" can also be used colloquially to mean something impressive (e.g., "Esse carro é um show!"). When asking about the time, keep the question straightforward. In very formal contexts (e.g., writing a program or a formal invitation) you might prefer "Qual é o horário do espetáculo?" which uses the more formal word "espetáculo" for a performance.