cosa succede
The English phrase "what is happening" is translated into Italian as cosa succede.
This phrase is used to ask about a current situation or the cause of a particular event. You can also use Cosa succede davvero? to ask "What's really happening?"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cosa (what) and succede (happens/is happening).
Which one should you use?
While cosa succede is a standard way to ask the question, the form che succede is more colloquial and common for asking "what's happening".
How does it change in a sentence?
While cosa succede is common, the progressive form cosa sta succedendo specifically emphasizes an action currently in progress.
Did you know?
- The verb succedere can also mean 'to follow' or 'to succeed' someone in a position of power, such as a king.
- The word cosa in this phrase actually shares the same Latin root, 'causa', as the English word 'cause'. This means 'what is happening' is etymologically asking about 'what cause' is present.
- In very informal settings, Italians often replace cosa succede with the slang expression che succede, which can sometimes be used as a challenging 'What's your problem?' depending on the tone.
Examples in context
- Scusa, cosa succede qui?Excuse me, what is happening here?
- Cosa succede con la macchina?What is happening with the car?
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina see a crowd of people in the street.
- FrancescoGuarda quella folla! Cosa succede?Look at that crowd! What is happening?
- MartinaPenso che ci sia un incidente.I think there is an accident.
- FrancescoAndiamo a vedere cosa succede.Let's go see what is happening.
- MartinaSì, andiamo insieme.Yes, let's go together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cosa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
