esistere
/eˈzis.te.re/
To exist in Italian is esistere.
The verb esistere is used to express existence in a philosophical or physical sense.
Meaning: to be (verb)
Which one should you use?
While esistere means 'to exist' in a philosophical or physical sense, the more common way to say 'there is' or 'there are' is using the verb esserci.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present tense, the third-person singular form is esiste (he/she/it exists) and the third-person plural form is esistono (they exist).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the second syllable: /eˈzis.te.re/.
Did you know?
- If an Italian says non esistere regarding a person, they might be implying that the person is insignificant or doesn't count, rather than literally being dead.
- The verb esistere comes from the Latin exsistere, which literally meant 'to emerge' or 'to stand out from'.
- Because esistere is often reserved for grand or abstract concepts, using it for mundane objects like 'a chair exists' can sound accidentally poetic or dramatic.
Examples in context
- Nessuno può esistere senza cibo.Nobody can exist without food.This sentence shows how to express that one cannot exist without food using esistere.Tatoeba #1239692 by Guybrush88, translation #276643 by CK
- Non possiamo esistere senza il cibo.We cannot exist without food.This sentence shows how to express that we cannot exist without food using esistere.Tatoeba #1221382 by Guybrush88, translation #270297 by CC
- Noi non possiamo esistere senza cibo.We can't exist without food.This sentence shows how to express that we can't exist without food using esistere.Tatoeba #1221383 by Guybrush88, translation #6873442 by CK
- Esistono numerose ragioni per cui la collaborazione è fondamentale.There are numerous reasons why collaboration is crucial.
- Non esistono scuse valide per il tuo cattivo comportamento.There are no valid excuses for your bad behavior.
- È importante che ci sia una solida base di conoscenza nel campo.It is important that there is a solid knowledge base in the field.
- Ci saranno delle difficoltà, ma dobbiamo esserci per supportarci l'un l'altro.There will be difficulties, but we have to be there to support each other.
- Che film ci sono stasera al cinema?What movies are showing at the cinema tonight?
- C'è un posto libero vicino a te?Is there a free seat near you?
- Ci sono molte occasioni per divertirsi in questa città.There are many opportunities to have fun in this city.
- Ci sono delle persone che criticano tutto.There are people who criticize everything.
- Quante belle opportunità ci sono in Italia!There are so many great opportunities in Italy!
- Questo è il motivo per cui esistono delle difficoltà nella nostra relazione.This is the reason why there are difficulties in our relationship.
- Esistono molte teorie sul cambiamento climatico.There are many theories about climate change.
- Ci sono molti posti meravigliosi da visitare in Italia.There are many wonderful places to visit in Italy.
- Non esiste una soluzione perfetta per ogni problema.There is no perfect solution to every problem.
- Non ci sono più biglietti disponibili per il concerto.There are no more tickets available for the concert.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mysterious legend in a cafe.
- SofiaCredi che tali fantasmi possano esistere?Do you believe such ghosts can exist?
- AlessandroNon credo che possano esistere davvero.I don't think they can truly exist.
- SofiaMa molti dicono che possano esistere.But many say that they can exist.
- AlessandroSono solo storie, Sofia.They are just stories, Sofia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exist” translations and entries esistere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esistere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
