chi sei?
/ki ˈsɛj/word by word
The English phrase "who are you?" is translated into Italian as chi sei?
This phrase is used to ask for a person's identity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the interrogative pronoun chi (who) and the second-person singular form of the verb essere (to be).
How does it change in a sentence?
Use chi siete? instead of chi sei? if you are addressing more than one person.
How do you pronounce it?
/ki ˈsɛj/
Did you know?
- To be polite with an adult you do not know, you must change the entire structure to Chi è Lei?, using the formal third-person singular.
- The word sei is etymologically related to the Latin word for 'six', which is sex.
- When used as a rhetorical exclamation of surprise, chi sei?! can be used to imply that someone is acting out of character or pretending to be someone they are not.
Examples in context
- Scusi, chi è Lei?Excuse me, who are you?
- Chi sei?Who are you?
- Chi siete?Who are you [plural]?
Example conversation
Giulia knocks on Alessandro's door at night.
- AlessandroChi sei?Who are you?
- GiuliaSono Giulia, la tua nuova vicina.I am Giulia, your new neighbor.
- AlessandroAh, piacere di conoscerti, Giulia.Ah, nice to meet you, Giulia.
- GiuliaPiacere mio, Alessandro.The pleasure is mine, Alessandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (chi, sei) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chi, sei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
