▶️9️⃣🕤

How to Say ‘We start around nine.’ in Italian

Si comincia verso le nove.

see koh-MEEN-cha VEHR-soh leh NOH-veh

[see koh-MEEN-cha VEHR-soh leh NOH-veh]

Phrase Breakdown

Si comincia

see koh-MEEN-cha

We start / One starts

The impersonal 'si' plus a verb means 'people/we' in general. Say ko-MEEN-cha.

Example

Si comincia domani.

We start tomorrow.

Words in this phrase

[see]

one (impersonal)

Impersonal 'si', meaning people in general.

Example

Qui si mangia bene.

One eats well here.

comincia

[koh-MEEN-cha]

Begins

The action of starting something.

Example

Quando la partita comincia, tutti devono essere pronti.

When the game begins, everyone must be ready.

verso le nove.

VEHR-soh leh NOH-veh

around nine.

This gives an approximate time. Stress 'VER-so' and 'NO-ve'.

Example

Ci sentiamo verso le nove.

Let's talk around nine.

Words in this phrase

verso

[VEHR-soh]

around, towards

Used with times to mean approximately.

Example

Arrivo verso le nove.

I'll arrive around nine.

[leh]

the (with hours)

Feminine plural article used before hours, since 'ore' (hours) is implied.

Example

Sono le cinque.

It's five o'clock.

nove

[NOH-veh]

nine (o'clock)

The number nine; with 'alle' it refers to the time nine o'clock.

Example

Il tavolo è prenotato per le nove.

The table is booked for nine o'clock.

Guides for Italian learners

Duolingo vs Busuu: Which Is Better for Actually Improving?Duolingo vs Busuu compared: a free gamified habit versus structured levels with corrections from native speakers. Which to choose, and when to use both.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Spent the summer in Tuscany researching Italian cuisine. Being able to chat with nonnas at the market about recipes? Absolutely priceless.”

Grace P., 34, Food Writer

“Working on a project in Milan and needed professional Italian fast. The business roleplays gave me the confidence to present to clients within a month.”

Daniel F., 45, Architect

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer