Signification
Indicating presence.
Contexte culturel
The phrase 'Ci sono' is often used to describe the 'movida' (nightlife). Italians will ask 'C'è gente?' or 'Ci sono persone?' to gauge if a place is lively and worth visiting. In Rome and parts of the South, you might hear 'Ci stanno' instead of 'Ci sono'. While common, it is considered informal or regional. Many famous Italian songs use 'ci sono' to express presence or the existence of feelings. It's a foundational phrase in Italian songwriting. When hosting, an Italian might say 'Ci sono i biscotti sul tavolo, prendi pure!' showing that availability of food is a key part of welcoming guests.
The Finger Rule
If you can point your finger at a group of things, you can probably use 'ci sono'.
Agreement is Mandatory
Never say 'C'è due'. It's a very obvious mistake. Always check if the noun is plural!
Signification
Indicating presence.
The Finger Rule
If you can point your finger at a group of things, you can probably use 'ci sono'.
Agreement is Mandatory
Never say 'C'è due'. It's a very obvious mistake. Always check if the noun is plural!
Answering Questions
If someone asks 'Ci sono le chiavi?', you can simply answer 'Sì, ci sono' without repeating the noun.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with 'c'è' or 'ci sono'.
In questa borsa ________ tre penne.
Since 'tre penne' (three pens) is plural, we must use 'ci sono'.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
'Fiori' is plural, so 'ci sono' is correct. 'Un gatto' and 'due ragazzi' have the wrong verb agreement in the other options.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Scusa, ________ dei ristoranti qui vicino? B: Sì, ________ due pizzerie in fondo alla strada.
Both 'ristoranti' and 'pizzerie' are plural.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a group of friends waiting for you.
You are describing the presence of a group of friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
C'è vs. Ci Sono
Where to use Ci Sono
Objects
- • Libri
- • Penne
- • Chiavi
People
- • Amici
- • Studenti
- • Turisti
Places
- • Negozi
- • Piazze
- • Ristoranti
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIn questa borsa ________ tre penne.
Since 'tre penne' (three pens) is plural, we must use 'ci sono'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
'Fiori' is plural, so 'ci sono' is correct. 'Un gatto' and 'due ragazzi' have the wrong verb agreement in the other options.
A: Scusa, ________ dei ristoranti qui vicino? B: Sì, ________ due pizzerie in fondo alla strada.
Both 'ristoranti' and 'pizzerie' are plural.
You see a group of friends waiting for you.
You are describing the presence of a group of friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, absolutely! 'Ci sono molti amici' is perfectly correct.
'Ci sono' states existence; 'Ecco' is for showing or handing something over.
Use the imperfect form: 'c'erano'.
It is neutral. It's fine for both a boss and a friend.
The 'ne' means 'of them', used when the noun was already mentioned.
Yes, it means 'I am here' or 'I'll do it'.
No, 'ci sono' stays the same for both masculine and feminine plural nouns.
Just change your intonation. 'Ci sono?'
Usually 'tempo' is singular ('c'è tempo'), but you can use it for 'ore' (hours): 'Ci sono due ore'.
Yes, very often. You might see it shortened to 'ci sn' in very informal slang, though it's rare now.
Expressions liées
c'è
similarThere is (singular)
ecco
similarHere is / Here are
esserci
builds onTo be there / To exist
ci siamo
specialized formWe are here / We are ready
esistono
synonymThey exist
