cosa succede?
The English phrase "what is going on?" is translated into Italian as cosa succede?
This phrase is used to ask about a current situation or to find out why something is happening. You can add the word qui (here) to the end of the phrase, as in che succede qui?, to express suspicion or confusion about a specific scene unfolding in front of you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cosa succede? is composed of cosa (what) and succede (happens/is happening).
Which one should you use?
While cosa succede? is the standard way to ask the question, che succede? is a slightly more colloquial version. For a more formal tone, you can use Cosa sta accadendo?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Che succede? is an informal, colloquial way to ask the question. Cosa succede? is the standard form, and Cosa sta accadendo? is a formal way to ask the question.
How does it change in a sentence?
While cosa succede? is common, you can also use cosa sta succedendo? to use the progressive aspect, which emphasizes that the action is currently in progress.
Did you know?
- The word cosa actually traces its roots back to the Latin word 'causa', which means 'reason' or 'cause'.
- If you want to sound particularly dramatic, like a character in a film, you might use the more intense Che sta combinando? to ask what mischief or trouble is being made.
- If you ask Che succede? with a sharp, rising tone, it can sound less like a curious question and more like a confrontation, similar to saying 'What's the matter?' in a tense situation.
Examples in context
- Buongiorno, signore. Che cosa sta succedendo qui?Good morning, sir. What is going on here?
- Cosa succede, ragazzi?What is going on, guys?
Example conversation
Martina finds Lorenzo looking confused in the kitchen.
- MartinaLorenzo, cosa succede?Lorenzo, what is going on?
- LorenzoNon trovo più le chiavi di casa.I can't find my house keys anymore.
- MartinaLe hai lasciate sul tavolo.You left them on the table.
- LorenzoAh, ecco dove erano!Ah, that's where they were!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cosa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
