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PhrasesAt the Theatre and OperaLo spettacolo è finito?
A1

Lo spettacolo è finito?

Has the show ended?

Pronunciation

loh spet-TA-koh-loh eh fee-NEE-toh.

When to use it

When you are unsure whether the curtain calls are the real end or whether more acts follow. Opera can be confusing if you do not know how many acts there are.

What it means

Lo spettacolo is the show or performance. È finito is the third-person singular of the passato prossimo of finire (to finish). Finito agrees with spettacolo (masculine). A simple and practical question.

Variations

Quanti atti mancano?

How many acts are left?

Asking how much is still to come.

È questo l'ultimo intervallo?

Is this the last interval?

Checking whether there is another break coming.

Inizia ora il terzo atto?

Is the third act starting now?

Confirming which act is about to begin.

Mini Dialogue

— Lo spettacolo è finito? — No, questo è l'intervallo prima del terzo atto. — Oh, credevo fosse la fine. Quanto manca? — Ancora circa cinquanta minuti. — Ah bene, non me ne vado allora.

— Has the show ended? — No, this is the interval before the third act. — Oh, I thought it was the end. How much is left? — About fifty minutes more. — Ah good, I won't leave then.

Cultural Note

Leaving before the end of an Italian opera is considered very poor form — especially before the last curtain call. Italians who leave early are known disapprovingly as 'quelli che scappano'. Always stay for the curtain calls — they can be spectacular affairs lasting fifteen minutes.