Meaning
Asking what is happening.
Cultural Background
Italians use 'Che c'è?' with a very specific 'hand purse' gesture (fingertips together, hand moving up and down) to add emphasis or show frustration. In the South, the phrase is often shortened even further or replaced by dialect forms like 'Che d'è?', which sounds more guttural and direct. In Neorealist films, 'Che c'è?' is used to portray the raw, unpolished life of the working class, often showing immediate emotional reactions. On WhatsApp, 'Che c'è?' is often written as 'che c'è' without the question mark to show a very relaxed, almost lazy tone between close friends.
Watch the Tone
A high-pitched 'Che c'è?' sounds friendly. A low-pitched, fast one sounds like you are annoyed.
Not for Bosses
Never use this with your boss or a professor. It's too informal and can be seen as disrespectful.
Meaning
Asking what is happening.
Watch the Tone
A high-pitched 'Che c'è?' sounds friendly. A low-pitched, fast one sounds like you are annoyed.
Not for Bosses
Never use this with your boss or a professor. It's too informal and can be seen as disrespectful.
The 'Di' Trick
Add 'di' + adjective to be more specific, like 'Che c'è di bello?' (What's up? / What's good?).
Test Yourself
Choose the best response when a friend looks sad.
Il tuo amico piange. Cosa dici?
'Che c'è?' is the standard way to ask what's wrong when someone is upset.
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
Mamma, che ___ in frigo? Ho fame!
'Che c'è' is used to ask what is present in a place.
Finish the dialogue.
A: 'Marco!' B: '___'
When someone calls your name informally, 'Che c'è?' is a natural response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a crowd of people in the street.
You use 'Che c'è?' to ask what is happening in a specific situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Che c'è?'
Emotions
- • Friend is sad
- • Partner is quiet
- • Child is crying
Events
- • Loud noise
- • Crowd in street
- • Phone ringing
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl tuo amico piange. Cosa dici?
'Che c'è?' is the standard way to ask what's wrong when someone is upset.
Mamma, che ___ in frigo? Ho fame!
'Che c'è' is used to ask what is present in a place.
A: 'Marco!' B: '___'
When someone calls your name informally, 'Che c'è?' is a natural response.
You see a crowd of people in the street.
You use 'Che c'è?' to ask what is happening in a specific situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly, yes. But 'What's up?' is often a greeting, while 'Che c'è?' usually implies you've noticed something specific or are responding to being called.
Only if something obvious just happened (like they dropped something). Otherwise, it's too direct.
It's a contraction of 'ci' and 'è'. The 'i' is dropped to make it easier to say.
Both are correct. 'Che c'è' is more common in fast, informal speech. 'Cosa c'è' is slightly more emphatic.
You can say 'Niente' (Nothing) if nothing is wrong, or explain the situation: 'Ho perso le chiavi' (I lost my keys).
No. Use 'In merito a...' or 'Cosa desidera?' depending on the context.
Literally, yes. You can use it to ask what's in a box or the fridge.
It depends entirely on your voice. Soft and slow = kind. Short and sharp = rude.
If asking about multiple things, you say 'Che ci sono?' (rare) or more commonly 'Cosa sono queste cose?'.
Yes, it's very common for parents to say this to children who are crying or acting up.
Related Phrases
Che succede?
similarWhat's happening?
Che hai?
similarWhat do you have? (What's wrong with you?)
Cosa c'è che non va?
builds onWhat is it that is not going well?
Tutto bene?
contrastEverything okay?
