Spanish Phrase
¿A qué hora empieza el show?
Meaning
This question asks for the exact time a performance, concert, TV program, or any kind of 'show' will begin. It is a polite, neutral way to request schedule information.
When to use
Use it when you’re planning to attend a concert, theater piece, TV broadcast, or any event and need to know the start time. It works equally well with friends, ticket agents, or staff at a venue.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Aquéhoraempiezaelshow?
¿A qué hora?
The fixed phrase '¿A qué hora?' means 'at what time?' and is used to ask for a specific time.
empieza
Third‑person singular present of the verb 'empezar' (to start). It agrees with the singular noun 'el show'.
el show
A loanword from English; it takes the masculine article 'el' just like a native Spanish noun.
Question marks
Spanish uses an opening (¿) and closing (?) question mark for all interrogative sentences.
🗨In Conversation
¿A qué hora empieza el show?
What time does the show start?
Empieza a las ocho y media.
It starts at eight thirty.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Qué hora empieza el show?
The preposition 'a' is required before 'qué hora' to form the correct question.
¿A qué hora empieza la show?
The loanword 'show' is masculine, so it takes the article 'el', not 'la'.
¿A qué hora empieza el espectáculo?
While grammatically correct, this changes the register; use 'show' for informal contexts and 'espectáculo' for formal ones.
↔Alternatives
¿A qué hora comienza el espectáculo?
At what time does the performance begin?
¿A qué hora da comienzo el show?
What time does the show kick off?
¿Cuándo empieza el show?
When does the show start?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries the English word 'show' is widely understood, especially for concerts, TV programs, or pop‑culture events. For more formal contexts (theater, ballet) native speakers often prefer 'espectáculo' or 'función'. Also, note that the 24‑hour clock is common in schedules, so you might hear 'las veinte treinta' instead of 'las ocho y media'.