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PhrasesMaking a DateCi vediamo alle otto?
A1informal

Ci vediamo alle otto?

Shall we meet at eight?

Pronunciation

ci ve-DIA-mo AL-le OT-to — stress on 'dia-', 'al-', 'ot-'. 'Vediamo' has three syllables.

When to use it

Suggesting a specific meeting time — practical and direct once a place has been agreed.

What it means

'Ci vediamo' = we'll see each other (reflexive use of 'vedere'). 'Alle' = at (preposition for time). 'Otto' = eight. The reflexive construction 'ci vediamo' is the standard Italian way to say 'we'll meet'.

Variations

A che ora ci vediamo?

What time shall we meet?

Asking rather than suggesting — puts the choice to them

Ti vengo a prendere alle sette e mezzo.

I'll come and pick you up at half past seven.

Offering a pick-up — a very Italian gallant gesture

Facciamo verso le nove — è più comodo?

Shall we say around nine — is that more convenient?

'Verso' = around — a less rigid time that allows Italian flexibility

Mini Dialogue

— Ci vediamo alle otto davanti al ristorante? — Forse dieci minuti dopo — devo finire una cosa al lavoro. — Nessun problema — ti aspetto. — Grazie. A stasera!

— Shall we meet at eight in front of the restaurant? — Maybe ten minutes after — I need to finish something at work. — No problem — I'll wait for you. — Thanks. See you tonight!

Cultural Note

Italian time-keeping tends to be flexible — arriving 5-10 minutes late is standard and not considered rude. 'Ti aspetto' (I'll wait for you) said warmly signals patience and genuine desire to see the person, whatever time they arrive.