cioè
/t͡ʃoˈɛ/
The Italian way to say "I mean" is cioè.
cioè is used to clarify a previous statement, to act as "in other words," or to correct an error. In spoken Italian, it frequently functions as a filler particle used to restart a sentence while the speaker is searching for the right words.
Meaning: used to correct an error (particle)
What does it mean word for word?
cioè is a contraction of ciò è, which literally means "that is".
How does it change in a sentence?
While the English "I mean" is a full clause, cioè functions as a fixed particle. It does not change its form based on the subject or the tense of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃoˈɛ/
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, Italians often use cioè as a question to ask What do you mean? without adding any other words.
- If you use cioè too frequently in a formal speech, it can be perceived as a sign of nervousness or lack of preparation. It is a heavy 'filler' that carries a strong imprint of casual, spoken registers.
- Teenagers and young adults often use cioè as a rhythmic filler similar to the English 'like', sometimes inserting it even when no clarification is needed.
Examples in context
- "Cioè… la mia vita", disse Dima. "In ogni caso, ci sono 3.000.000 BYR in questa valigetta.""I mean… my life," Dima said. "Anyway, there's 3,000,000 BYR in this briefcase."This sentence shows how cioè can be used to restart or clarify a thought during speech.Tatoeba #2745724 by Guybrush88, translation #515082 by FeuDRenais
- Il mio amico è molto gentile, intendo dire che è sempre pronto ad aiutare gli altri.My friend is very kind, I mean he's always ready to help others.
- Mi piace tantissimo l'arte moderna, vale a dire tutte quelle opere realizzate dopo il 1900.I really like modern art, I mean all those works created after 1900.
- Vorrei comprare un nuovo cellulare, cioè uno con una fotocamera migliore.I would like to buy a new cellphone, I mean one with a better camera.
- Quella torta è straordinaria, nel senso che è la migliore che abbia mai mangiato!That cake is amazing, I mean it's the best I've ever tasted!
- No, cioè, non è quello che intendevo.No, I mean, it's not what I intended.
- Cioè, volevo dire che è troppo tardi.I mean, I wanted to say that it is too late.
Example conversation
Alessandro is trying to clarify a misunderstanding with Martina.
- AlessandroNon mi hai capito, cioè, non sono arrabbiato.You didn't understand me, I mean, I'm not angry.
- MartinaAh, capisco meglio adesso, Alessandro.Ah, I understand better now, Alessandro.
- AlessandroSì, volevo solo spiegare meglio la situazione.Yes, I just wanted to explain the situation better.
- MartinaVa bene, non preoccuparti più.Alright, don't worry about it anymore.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cioè, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
