What’s What in the Italian Language

 

Che? Che Cosa? 

What? 

In any language “what” makes the world go round. We always want to know “what’s that?” (che cosa è quello?), “what’s happening?” (che succede?), “what for?” (per che cosa?) and “what’s the matter?” (che cosa c’è?). 

In Italian the pronoun che or the noun cosa (thing) can be used alone or together. “Come vanno le cose?” (How are things?) you may ask or be asked. If you don’t know what to do, say, “Non so che cosa fare.” People may offer you the philosophical advice, "Che sarà, sarà" (What will be, will be). And if they break into the classic Doris Day song, that would be un bel che (a fine thing). 

When travelling, “whats” are what a trip is all about, so here’s what you should know: 

What Do You Need? 

Forgot your toothbrush (spazzolino da denti)? Don’t have a power adapter (adattatore)? Want an aspirin (aspirina) for your headache? The Italian phrase to use is “avere bisogno di ” (literally, to have need of). In the first person singular, you say “ho bisogno di…” For instance, ho bisogno di una forchetta pulita (I need a clean fork). 

What do You Want? 

"Cosa prende?" (What are you having?) a waiter may ask. “I want” translates as “voglio,” a phrase one of my first Italian teachers dismissed as “only for babies.” A polite grown-up says “vorrei” (I would like), as in “vorrei un menu” (I’d like a menu). My instructor, insisting that I learn to ask for what I want “come una signora, come una duchessa” (like a lady, like a duchess), taught me an alternative to use in extraordinary circumstances: “Mi piacerebbe” (it would be pleasing to me). Like “Open Sesame!” it has worked magically to produce whatever I’ve desired. 

What Do You Mean? 

This question translates as “Che cosa vuol dire?” (literally, what do you want to say?) If you understand someone’s words, say “ho capito” (Italians use the past tense, “I understood,” to indicated comprehension). If you don’t, “non ho capito.” If you’re stumped by a word, ask, “Che significa questa parola?” (What does this word mean?) 

What Are You Doing? 

“Che fai?” (What are you doing?) you often hear Italians ask their children or friends. To ask a stranger the same question, use the polite form: Che cosa fa? What will you be doing in Italy? Here are some likely activities, in the first person singular. Mangio (I eat). Vado (I go). Vado a piedi (literally I go by foot) or walk. Guardo (I look).  Nuoto (I swim). Compro (I buy). Mi diverto (I enjoy myself). 

What Not to Do 

Italians have a strong sense of what “non si fa” (one doesn’t do). You don’t put cheese on any dish containing fish, for instance, or drink cappuccino after a meal. To avoid more serious missteps, watch out for signs saying “Vietato” (forbidden), such as “Vietato Fumare” (no smoking) and “Vietato l’ingresso” (No entrance). It’s easy to spot a “divieto di sosta” or "sosta vietata" (no parking) sign. Usually there are cars parked right under it. 

What a….! 

Just like the English what, che does double-duty as an exclamation. To sound thoroughly Italian, make liberal use of phrases such as “Che bello!” (how lovely), “Che carino!” (How cute), “Che confusione!” (what a mess) and “Macchè!” (not at all) . 

Words and Expressions 

Che avete? -- what do you have? What’s the matter with you (plural)? 

È una cosa da nulla –- it’s nothing

fare la cosa giusta -- to do the right thing 

Ogni cosa a suo tempo --- there’s a time for everything 

Dianne Hales is author of LA BELLA LINGUA: MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH ITALIAN, THE WORLD'S MOST ENCHANTING LANGUAGE. 

Click below to hear a very different "Che sarà" than the hit from the 1950s:

Comments

[Karleen Bradford]

Che bella canzone. Grazie, Diana.

[Vincenzo Trovato]

great Italian Song

[Status Viatoris]

Another fantastic post! I would love to be able to watch the videos you post as well, but my internet connection here in deepest, darkest Liguria is very very slow!