Indirect Questions
Indirect questions (domande indirette) are subordinate clauses that report a question indirectly. Instead of asking 'Where is he?', you say 'I don't know where he is.' They are introduced by question words (chi, dove, quando) or by se (if/whether) for yes/no questions.
How It Works
Indirect questions are essential for reporting speech and expressing uncertainty. They are triggered by specific elements:
- Verbs of asking/knowing: dire, chiedere, domandare, sapere, ignorare. Note: Unlike 'sapere', the verb 'conoscere' cannot introduce an indirect question.
- Expressions of doubt: dubitare, non essere sicuro, non capire.
Connectors:
1. Total Questions (Yes/No): Use se (if/whether). Example: Mi chiedo se pioverà. (I wonder if it will rain).
2. Partial Questions (Wh-): Use the original question word (chi, cosa, dove, quando, perché, come, quanto). Example: Non so dove abiti. (I don't know where he lives).
Mood Choice:
In Italian, the choice of mood signals the speaker's register and intent:
- Indicative: Used in informal speech or when the answer is already known or expected. (e.g., Non so chi è.)
- Subjunctive: Preferred in formal writing or to emphasize doubt and uncertainty. (e.g., Non so chi sia.)
- Infinitive (Implicit Questions): When the subject of the main clause and the indirect question are the same, the infinitive is often used. (e.g., Non so che fare.)
Future in the Past:
When reporting a question about the future that was asked in the past, Italian uses the past conditional. Example: Mi ha chiesto se sarei andato. (He asked me if I would go).
Examples (5)
- Mi ha chiesto se avevo già mangiato.
He asked me if I had already eaten.
Word by Word: Me he asked if I had already eaten.
A standard indirect question using the indicative mood, common in everyday conversation.
- Non sapevo proprio dove fossero finite le chiavi.
I really didn't know where the keys had ended up.
Word by Word: Not I knew really where were ended the keys.
This uses the subjunctive mood ('fossero') to emphasize the state of doubt and uncertainty in a more formal register.
- Vorrei sapere quando arriverà il treno.
I would like to know when the train will arrive.
Word by Word: I would like to know when will arrive the train.
An inquiry about a fact using the future indicative, introduced by the question word 'quando'.
- Dimmi chi ti ha dato questo libro.
Tell me who gave you this book.
Word by Word: Tell me who to you has given this book.
An indirect question following an imperative verb ('dimmi').
- Mi chiedo perché non sia ancora arrivato.
I wonder why he hasn't arrived yet.
Word by Word: Myself I ask why not he be yet arrived.
The verb 'chiedersi' (to wonder) is a very common trigger for indirect questions.
Common Mistakes
Using a question mark at the end of an indirect question.
Mi chiedo chi è?Mi chiedo chi è.Indirect questions are grammatically statements, not questions, so they must end with a period.
Using 'se' when a request is reported.
Different MeaningMi ha chiesto se andare.Mi ha chiesto di andare.'Mi ha chiesto se andare' is correct, but it means he asked whether to go. To report a request that I go, use 'di' + infinitive: 'Mi ha chiesto di andare'.
Using the future where a future seen from the past is meant.
Different MeaningMi ha chiesto se verrò.Mi ha chiesto se sarei venuto.'Mi ha chiesto se verrò' is correct when the event is still ahead of you now. For a future seen from the past, use the past conditional: 'se sarei venuto'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn indirect questions, you first need to be comfortable with direct question words and the structure of yes/no questions. Since indirect questions are a form of reported speech, familiarity with how sentences are introduced by verbs of asking or knowing (like 'chiedere' or 'sapere') is essential.
- Question Words
Indirect questions are often introduced by the same question words (chi, cosa, dove, quando, etc.) used in direct questions.
Level 1 - Yes/No Questions
Understanding how to form basic yes/no questions is necessary to learn how to transform them into indirect questions using 'se'.
Level 1 - Reported Speech from the Present
Indirect questions are a specific type of reported speech; understanding the general concept of reporting what someone said or asked is a fundamental step.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- Past Conditional for 'Future in the Past'
Used within indirect questions to describe an action that was in the future relative to a past main verb.
Level 3 - Indicative vs Subjunctive
The choice between these moods determines the register and the level of doubt expressed in the indirect question.
Level 3 - Reported Speech with Time/Place Shifts
Indirect questions are a specific type of reported speech and follow similar tense-shifting rules.
Level 4 - sapere / conoscereSapere vs. Conoscere
'Sapere' is the primary verb used to introduce indirect questions regarding facts or information.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Sources
Practice Indirect Questions in Bubblegum
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