c'è
/ˈt͡ʃ‿ɛ/
The Italian phrase for "there is" is c'è.
c'è is used to indicate that something exists or is located in a specific place.
What does it mean word for word?
The form c'è is a contraction of ci, meaning "there" or "in this place" and è, meaning "is".
Which one should you use?
While c'è is used for singular subjects, you must use ci sono to say "there are" when referring to plural nouns.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Italy, particularly Naples, locals often use ce sta instead of c'è.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use ci sono instead of c'è when the subject that follows is plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃ‿ɛ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using c'è for plural subjects. While English speakers often treat "there is" as a fixed phrase, in Italian you must switch to ci sono for plural nouns.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase c'è is often used to describe the weather, such as c'è il sole for 'it is sunny', which literally translates to 'there is the sun'.
- The word ci in c'è is a versatile particle that can also mean 'us' or 'ourselves' depending on the context of the sentence.
- While c'è is standard, the Neapolitan alternative ce sta literally uses a verb meaning 'to stand' or 'to stay' rather than 'to be'.
Examples in context
- C'è poco da fare.There is little to do.This sentence is useful for expressing that there is a small amount of something to do.Tatoeba #1363313 by Guybrush88, translation #1363488 by CM
- C'è un libro qui.There is one book here.This sentence shows how to state that a book is in a specific location.Tatoeba #2278163 by Guybrush88, translation #1807161 by pne
- C'è una mucca lì.There is a cow there.This sentence demonstrates how to indicate the presence of an animal in a location.Tatoeba #11230491 by Guybrush88, translation #9958685 by Amastan
- C'è un parco vicino all'ufficioThere is a park near the office
- Vi è un negozio di alimentari qui vicinoThere is a grocery store nearby
- C'è una festa staseraThere's a party tonight
- C'è un casino nella mia cameraThere's a mess in my room
- C'è una libreria fantastica nella mia città.There is a fantastic bookstore in my city.
- Ci sono molti ristoranti italiani in questa via.There are many Italian restaurants on this street.
- 913 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are in a kitchen looking for a snack.
- SofiaC'è del cioccolato in frigo?Is there any chocolate in the fridge?
- MatteoNo, non c'è niente.No, there is nothing.
- SofiaC'è un biscotto sul tavolo?Is there a cookie on the table?
- MatteoSì, c'è un biscotto per te.Yes, there is one cookie for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry c'è, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
