Ciao! Are you interested in learning how to say “what” in Italian? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover both the formal and informal ways to express “what” in Italian. We’ll also provide you with regional variations, although they are not as prevalent in this case. So, let’s dive right in and explore the various ways to say “what”!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What” in Italian
When addressing someone in a formal setting, such as speaking to an older person or in a professional environment, you’ll want to use the formal equivalents of “what.” Here are a few options:
1. Cosa
The most common way to say “what” in a formal context is “cosa.” It is pronounced as “CO-zah.” For example:
Person A: Scusi, cosa diceva? (Excuse me, what were you saying?)
Person B: Sto dicendo che…
2. Che cosa
An alternate and equally formal way is to use “che cosa.” It carries the same meaning as “cosa” but emphasizes the word “what.” It is pronounced as “ke CO-zah.” Here’s an example:
Person A: Mi scusi, che cosa mi consiglia? (Excuse me, what do you suggest?)
Person B: Le consiglio di…
Informal Ways to Say “What” in Italian
Now let’s move on to the informal ways of saying “what.” In casual conversations with friends, family, or peers, you have a bit more flexibility. Here are some options to consider:
1. Che
The most common and versatile way to say “what” informally is “che.” It is pronounced as “keh.” Take a look at the following example:
Person A: Che fai domani? (What are you doing tomorrow?)
Person B: Penso di uscire con gli amici. (I’m thinking of going out with friends.)
2. Cosa
Similar to the formal usage, you can also use “cosa” in informal contexts, although it is less common among friends. It is pronounced the same as in the formal context. Consider this example:
Person A: Cosa hai mangiato a pranzo? (What did you have for lunch?)
Person B: Ho mangiato una pizza.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the usage of “what” in Italian:
1. Non Capisco
If you don’t understand something and need to ask for clarification, you can use the phrase “Non capisco” (I don’t understand) before asking “What?” For instance:
Person A: Ho bisogno di spiegare qualcosa. (I need to explain something.)
Person B: Scusa, non capisco. Che cosa vuoi dire? (Sorry, I don’t understand. What do you mean?)
2. Alternate Informal Expressions
Depending on the region, people might use alternative informal expressions for “what.” For instance, in some areas, “come mai” (why) is occasionally used instead of “che.” Here’s an example:
Person A: Come mai sei arrivato in ritardo? (Why did you arrive late?)
Person B: Il mio autobus non è passato.
3. Non-Verbal Expressions
Remember that Italians also have a variety of non-verbal expressions to convey “what.” A raised eyebrow, a quizzical smile, or a facial expression of surprise can often replace the need for verbalization!
Now armed with these various ways to say “what” in Italian, you can confidently navigate both formal and informal situations. Just remember to choose the appropriate option based on the context and your relationship with the person you are speaking to!
We hope this guide has been helpful to you. Enjoy practicing and incorporating these phrases into your conversations. Buona fortuna! (Good luck!)
