a chi importa?
The Italian phrase for "who cares?" is a chi importa?
This rhetorical question is used to express that something is not important or is not worth worrying about.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "to whom does it matter?", where the verb importare means "to be important" or "to matter".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase a chi importa?, the verb importare is used impersonally to mean "to matter".
Did you know?
- The verb importare can also mean 'to import' goods from abroad, creating a double meaning based on the context of the sentence.
- When used as a response in an argument, a chi importa? is often accompanied by a shrug of the shoulders and palms turned upward, a gesture known globally as the 'Italian shrug'.
- The word chi in a chi importa? descends from the Latin quis, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'quest'.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a minor mistake at work.
- AlessandroHai sbagliato il modulo, ma a chi importa?You made a mistake on the form, but who cares?
- ChiaraSpero che il capo non si arrabbi.I hope the boss doesn't get angry.
- AlessandroLui è troppo occupato per notarlo.He is too busy to notice it.
- ChiaraHai ragione, grazie Alessandro.You're right, thanks Alessandro.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, chi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
