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A Comprehensive Guide to Using “There is” and “There Are” in Italian: “C’è” and “Ci “Sono”

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Hello and welcome to this comprehensive guide where we will delve into a crucial aspect of Italian grammar – the use of “there is” and “there are.”
These two simple expressions hold immense power in conversations, allowing you not only to describe your surroundings but also to narrate your past experiences.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Italy or aiming to connect with native speakers, mastering these concepts is essential for forming lasting bonds and creating memorable interactions.

The Versatility of “There” in Italian

“There” without the Verb “To Be”

Before we dive into the intricacies of “there” and “there are,” let’s take a moment to explore the word “there” on its own. In Italian, “there” is translated as “lì” or “là.”
For example, if you’re about to step out and want to leave your laptop on the sofa, you might say, “Lascio il portatile lì sul divano.”

“Over There” – Delving into Distance

When describing something that is a bit further away, you’d use the phrase “over there.” Imagine you’re pointing out a tiger in the distance.
In Italian, you’d say, “Da qui possiamo vedere una tigre laggiù.” This phrase “laggiù” adds a layer of spatial understanding to your descriptions.

Exploring “C’è” and “Ci Sono:”There is” and “There Are” in Italian

Now, let’s shift our focus to “there is” and “there are,” which are fundamental ways for expressing the existence of multiple items. Here are some examples to illustrate its usage:

  • “C’è uno specchio enorme in quella stanza.” (There is a huge mirror in that room.)
  • “C’è un problema nella cucina.” (There is a problem in the kitchen.)
  • “Ci sono troppi libri su questa mensola.” (There are too many books on this shelf.)
  • “Ci sono 30 studenti iscritti in questo corso.” (There are 30 students enrolled in this course.)

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Understanding Number Agreement with “C’è” and “Ci Sono” in Italian

As you might have already understood, we need to follow this scheme:

  • we use “c’è” when we are dealing with a singular noun, in fact it transaltes “there is”; for example “c’è un cellulare sul tavolo” (“there’s a cellphone on the table”)
  • we use “ci sono” when we are dealing with a plural noun, in fact it translates “there are”; for example “ci sono molti gatti qui” (“there are many cats here”)

screenshot taken by a video of mine about "c'è" and "ci sono" which in Italian translate "there is" and "there are"
This slide is part of my Italinglish© Mentoring Program. Click HERE to find out more on how to actually speak Italian within 12 weeks

Conclusion: Elevate Your Conversations with “C’è” and “Ci Sono”

Mastering the usage of “there is” and “there are” in Italian can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively, share experiences, and create lasting connections.
Whether you’re discussing your past, describing your surroundings, or making new friends, these simple words hold the key to unlocking deeper, more meaningful conversations.
So, as you embark on your journey to fluency, remember to embrace the power of language and use “there” and “there are” to add depth to your Italian expressions.

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