chi
Relative Pronoun 'Chi'
The pronoun chi is a 'mixed' or 'double' pronoun because it contains both the person (the one) and the link (who) in a single word. It is used to talk about people in a general or indefinite sense.
How It Works
The relative pronoun chi is unique in Italian because it does not need an antecedent (a noun mentioned before it).
Key Characteristics:
- People Only: It refers exclusively to people in a categorical way (e.g., 'Whoever arrives late...'). For objects or concepts, you must use quello che or ciò che.
- Stand-alone: It never follows a noun. You cannot say l'uomo chi; you must use l'uomo che or simply chi.
- Singular Verb: Even when the meaning is plural ('those who'), the verb immediately following chi must be singular.
- Hypothetical Contexts: When 'chi' introduces a person with specific required qualities or a hypothetical subject, it often triggers the subjunctive (e.g., Cerco chi sappia cucinare).
- Versatility: It can be the subject, the object, or follow a preposition (e.g., con chi, a chi).
Proverbs: Chi is the standard pronoun for Italian proverbs, which often describe general truths about human behavior.
Examples (5)
- Chi dorme non piglia pesci.
The one who sleeps doesn't catch fish.
Word by Word: Who sleeps not catches fish.
A classic proverb where 'chi' acts as the subject meaning 'anyone who'.
- Chi vuole venire deve dirmelo subito.
Whoever wants to come must tell me immediately.
Word by Word: Who wants to come must tell-it-to-me immediately.
Note that 'vuole' is singular even if 'chi' refers to multiple people.
- Cerco chi mi aiuti con questo progetto.
I am looking for someone who can help me with this project.
Word by Word: I look for who me helps with this project.
When 'chi' refers to a hypothetical person with specific traits, it often triggers the subjunctive mood (aiuti).
- Puoi uscire con chi vuoi.
You can go out with whoever you want.
Word by Word: You can go out with who you want.
Here 'chi' follows the preposition 'con' and acts as the object of the clause.
- Chi non ha il biglietto non può entrare.
Those who do not have a ticket cannot enter.
Word by Word: Who not has the ticket not can enter.
Used in a general notice to refer to a category of people.
Common Mistakes
Using 'chi' to refer to objects or concepts.
Chi dici è vero.Quello che dici è vero.'Chi' refers exclusively to people. To say 'what' or 'that which' referring to things or ideas, use 'quello che' or 'ciò che'.
Using 'chi' to refer back to a specific noun.
La donna chi lavora qui è simpatica.La donna che lavora qui è simpatica.If there is a specific noun (like 'la donna'), you must use che. 'Chi' is only used when the person is not specifically named.
Using a plural verb with 'chi'.
Chi sanno la verità devono parlare.Chi sa la verità deve parlare.Even if you are talking to a group of people, 'chi' always requires the 3rd person singular verb form.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the relative pronoun 'chi', learners must first be comfortable with basic relative pronouns like 'che' and 'cui'. They also need to distinguish this relative usage from the interrogative 'chi' (who?) and understand that 'chi' acts as an indefinite subject (the one who/anyone who), similar to other indefinite pronouns.
- che / cuiRelative Pronouns 'Che' and 'Cui'
Understanding the basic function of relative pronouns (connecting clauses) is essential before learning the more complex 'chi', which functions as both antecedent and relative pronoun.
Level 2 - Question Words
The word 'chi' is first encountered as an interrogative pronoun; distinguishing its relative use from its interrogative use is a key step for the learner.
Level 1 - qualcuno / qualcosa / ognunoIndefinite Pronouns (Qualcuno, Qualcosa, Ognuno)
The relative pronoun 'chi' functions similarly to indefinite pronouns like 'ognuno' or 'chiunque' (meaning 'anyone who'), making this a helpful conceptual foundation.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- cui (dopo preposizione)Relative Pronoun 'Cui'
Used for relative clauses involving prepositions, similar to how 'chi' can follow prepositions.
Level 3 - il quale / la qualeRelative Pronoun 'Il Quale/la Quale'
A more formal alternative to 'che' and 'cui' that, unlike 'chi', changes for gender and number.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Sources
Practice chi in Bubblegum
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