c'è / ci sono
There Is / There Are
c'è = there is (singular)
ci sono = there are (plural)
How It Works
In Italian, expressing existence requires the particle ci (which here means 'there') combined with the verb essere.
1. Singular: c'è
When the subject is singular, we use ci + è. Because è starts with a vowel, the i in ci is dropped and replaced by an apostrophe. This is called elision.
Example: C'è un libro sul tavolo. (There is a book on the table.)
2. Plural: ci sono
When the subject is plural, we use ci + sono. In this case, no elision occurs.
Example: Ci sono due libri sul tavolo. (There are two books on the table.)
3. Negation
To say 'there isn't' or 'there aren't', simply place non before the expression.
Example: Non c'è pane. (There is no bread.)
4. Questions
To ask 'Is there?' or 'Are there?', simply change your intonation or add a question mark. The word order remains the same.
Example: C'è un bagno qui? (Is there a bathroom here?)
Examples (5)
- C'è un gatto sul divano.
There is a cat on the sofa.
Word by Word: There is a cat on the sofa.
Use 'c'è' because 'un gatto' (a cat) is singular.
- Ci sono molte persone in piazza.
There are many people in the square.
Word by Word: There are many people in square.
Use 'ci sono' because 'molte persone' (many people) is plural.
- Non c'è più latte nel frigorifero.
There is no more milk in the fridge.
Word by Word: Not there is more milk in the fridge.
To negate the expression, place 'non' at the very beginning.
- Scusi, c'è un ristorante qui vicino?
Excuse me, is there a restaurant nearby?
Word by Word: Excuse, there is a restaurant here near?
In questions, the form 'c'è' remains the same; only the tone of voice changes.
- Ci sono dei problemi?
Are there any problems?
Word by Word: There are some problems?
Using 'ci sono' with the plural 'problemi'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'c'è' for plural subjects.
C'è tre studenti in classe.Ci sono tre studenti in classe.In standard Italian, use 'ci sono' with plural nouns. 'C'è' with a plural noun is heard in casual speech, but it is not considered standard.
Confusing 'c'è' with 'ecco'.
C'è il mio treno! (when pointing at it arriving)Ecco il mio treno!'C'è' states that something exists or is present. 'Ecco' is used to point something out or announce an arrival ('Here it is!').
Spelling 'c'è' incorrectly as 'cè' or 'c'e'.
Cè un problema.C'è un problema.The apostrophe and the accent mark are both mandatory. 'C'è' is a contraction of 'ci' and 'è'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'c'è' and 'ci sono' correctly, you need to know the present tense forms of the verb 'essere' (è/sono) and how to distinguish between singular and plural nouns. Additionally, understanding elision explains why 'ci è' becomes 'c'è'.
- essere (presente)Present Tense of 'Essere'
The pattern 'c'è / ci sono' is formed using the third-person singular and plural forms of the verb 'essere' in the present tense.
Level 1 - Elision
The form 'c'è' is a result of elision between the particle 'ci' and the verb 'è', which is a fundamental spelling and pronunciation rule in this pattern.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- non c'è / non ci sonoNegative 'Non C'è / Non Ci Sono'
Explains how to properly use 'non' with these expressions to indicate absence.
Level 1 - qui / qua / lì / làHere and There
These locative adverbs are often used alongside 'c'è' and 'ci sono' to specify where something is.
Level 1 - ne (partitivo)Partitive 'Ne'
When 'c'è' is used with the partitive 'ne' (some of it), the particle 'ci' changes to 'ce' (e.g., 'ce n'è').
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Sources
Practice c'è / ci sono in Bubblegum
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