Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Learn how to use the Italian expressions 'c'è' and 'ci sono' to indicate the existence or presence of singular and plural objects, people, or events. This lesson explains their correct use with examples, highlighting the difference between singular and plural forms in Italian and the importance of matching verbs with number rather than gender.
  1. Use 'c'è' for the singular and 'ci sono' for the plural.
Numero (Number)Genere (Gender)Esempio (Example)
C'èMaschile (Masculine)C'è un bagno in casa. (There is a bathroom in the house.)
Femminile (Feminine)C'è una finestra. (There is a window.)
Ci sonoMaschile (Masculine)Ci sono due bagni in casa. (There are two bathrooms in the house.)
Femminile (Feminine)Ci sono due finestre. (There are two windows.)

Exercise 1: L'uso di 'c'è' e 'ci sono'

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

c'è, ci sono

1.
Nel salotto ... una grande finestra.
(In the living room, there is a large window.)
2.
In questa casa ... tre camere da letto.
(In this house there are three bedrooms.)
3.
Nel bagno ... uno specchio sopra il lavandino.
(In the bathroom there is a mirror above the sink.)
4.
In cucina ... piatti e bicchieri.
(In the kitchen there are plates and glasses.)
5.
Nel corridoio ... un armadio piccolo.
(In the hallway there is a small cupboard.)
6.
Non ... corridoi in questa casa.
(There are no corridors in this house.)
7.
Sul balcone ... una pianta verde.
(There is a green plant on the balcony.)
8.
Nel giardino ... tanti fiori.
(In the garden, there are many flowers.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. ___ un grande salotto al primo piano.

(___ a large living room on the first floor.)

2. ___ due camere da letto con vista sul giardino.

(___ two bedrooms overlooking the garden.)

3. In cucina ___ un frigorifero nuovo.

(In the kitchen ___ a new refrigerator.)

4. Nel corridoio ___ tre porte.

(In the corridor ___ three doors.)

5. ___ una finestra nella stanza da letto.

(___ a window in the bedroom.)

6. ___ molti armadi nel guardaroba.

(___ many closets in the wardrobe.)

Understanding the Use of c'è and ci sono in Italian

This lesson focuses on the essential Italian expressions c'è and ci sono, which are used to indicate the presence or existence of objects, people, or events within a specific location or context. C'è is employed for singular items or persons, while ci sono is used for plural forms.

Singular and Plural Forms

For example:

  • C'è un bagno in casa. — There is one bathroom in the house.
  • Ci sono due finestre. — There are two windows.

Gender Considerations

Although c'è and ci sono indicate number (singular vs. plural), the grammatical gender (masculine or feminine) applies to the nouns that follow. The verb forms themselves don’t change according to gender.

Usage in Context

Use these phrases not only to describe physical locations but also to talk about events that are happening or expected.

Important Differences Between Italian and English

In English, the structure simply uses "there is" for singular and "there are" for plural. Italian distinguishes these by using c'è (there is) for singular and ci sono (there are) for plural, which helps clarify quantity clearly. Note that Italian contracts ci and è to c'è when singular.

Helpful Phrases

  • C'è un libro sul tavolo. — There is a book on the table.
  • Ci sono molte sedie nella stanza. — There are many chairs in the room.

These simple but fundamental phrases open up your ability to describe surroundings and situations effectively in everyday Italian.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Tuesday, 15/07/2025 04:03