Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo empieza?
Meaning
The question asks for the time or moment something is scheduled to begin. It can refer to a movie, a class, a meeting, a concert, or any activity that has a start time. The present tense 'empieza' is used because Spanish often employs the present to talk about future plans that are already set.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to know the start time of an event that has already been arranged, such as asking a friend about the movie showtime, checking the beginning of a class, or confirming the kickoff of a sports match.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándoempieza?
¿Cuándo?
Interrogative adverb meaning 'when'. It always carries an accent to differentiate it from the conjunction 'cuando' (when/while).
Empieza
Third‑person singular present of 'empezar' (to start). In Spanish the present tense is used for scheduled future events, so it can mean 'starts' or 'will start'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuándo empieza la película?
When does the movie start?
Empieza a las ocho y media.
It starts at eight thirty.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuando empieza?
Missing accent changes the word to the conjunction 'cuando' (when/while) and makes the sentence ungrammatical as a question.
¿Cuándo empiezo?
Use 'empieza' (third person) unless you are asking about yourself.
¿Cuándo empieza??
Do not add an extra question mark after the sentence; the opening inverted question mark already signals a question.
↔Alternatives
¿A qué hora comienza?
At what time does it begin?
¿En qué momento inicia?
At what moment does it start?
¿Cuándo arranca?
When does it kick off?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, people often ask '¿Cuándo empieza?' instead of specifying the activity, assuming the context is clear. Be mindful of formality: in very formal settings you might say '¿A qué hora tiene previsto comenzar?' Also, remember to keep the accent on 'cuándo'—without it the word changes meaning.