Meaning
Checking if anyone is present.
Cultural Background
Calling out when entering a shop is expected. Silence can be interpreted as being sneaky or rude. In smaller villages, doors are often left open. 'C'è qualcuno?' acts as a verbal doorbell. In modern offices, this is replaced by 'È permesso?' (Is it permitted/May I come in?) when entering a specific room. On WhatsApp or Telegram, sending 'C'è qualcuno?' in a group chat is a way to see who is online and ready to chat.
The 'Scusi' Buffer
Always add 'Scusi' (Excuse me) before the phrase in shops to sound extra polite.
Don't over-pronounce the 'i'
It's 'C'è', not 'Ci è'. The 'i' is completely gone.
Meaning
Checking if anyone is present.
The 'Scusi' Buffer
Always add 'Scusi' (Excuse me) before the phrase in shops to sound extra polite.
Don't over-pronounce the 'i'
It's 'C'è', not 'Ci è'. The 'i' is completely gone.
The Tone Matters
Use a rising intonation at the end to make it a clear question.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to ask 'Is anyone there?' when entering a shop.
Tu entri in un negozio e non vedi nessuno. Cosa dici?
'C'è qualcuno?' is the standard way to check for presence. 'Chi è?' is for answering the door.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'there is'.
Scusi, _____ qualcuno che può aiutarmi?
The contraction 'c'è' is mandatory in Italian.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
1. C'è qualcuno? | 2. Chi è? | 3. Occupato!
Understanding the perspective (inside vs. outside) is crucial for these phrases.
Complete the dialogue.
A: C'è qualcuno in casa? B: ________, siamo in cucina!
'Sì, ci siamo' (Yes, we are here) is a natural response to the question.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTu entri in un negozio e non vedi nessuno. Cosa dici?
'C'è qualcuno?' is the standard way to check for presence. 'Chi è?' is for answering the door.
Scusi, _____ qualcuno che può aiutarmi?
The contraction 'c'è' is mandatory in Italian.
1. C'è qualcuno? | 2. Chi è? | 3. Occupato!
Understanding the perspective (inside vs. outside) is crucial for these phrases.
A: C'è qualcuno in casa? B: ________, siamo in cucina!
'Sì, ci siamo' (Yes, we are here) is a natural response to the question.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! In questions, 'C'è qualcuno?' and 'C'è nessuno?' mean the same thing.
Not if you are in a shop or a place where you need help. Just keep your tone friendly.
You would say 'Ci sono delle persone?' or 'C'è molta gente?'.
You can say 'Sì, arrivo!' (Yes, I'm coming!) or 'Sì, dica!' (Yes, tell me/How can I help?).
It is grammatically masculine, but it refers to anyone (male or female).
Yes, if the line is quiet, say 'Pronto? C'è qualcuno?'.
'Qualcuno' is for people (someone), 'qualcosa' is for things (something).
Yes, 'È qualcuno?' is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Rarely. It's mostly a spoken expression for immediate situations.
The most common past tense is 'C'era qualcuno?'.
Related Phrases
C'è nessuno?
similarIs there no one?
È permesso?
specialized formMay I come in?
Chi è?
contrastWho is it?
Ci sono tutti?
builds onIs everyone here?
C'è anima viva?
similarIs there a living soul?
Occupato!
contrastOccupied!
