This lesson is about the use of “c’è / ci sono“, which would translate into English as ‘there is/are’.
The word “ci” is used as a pronoun referring to previously mentioned places and things in order not to repeat them.
Examples:
Quando vai al supermercato? (When are you going to the supermarket?)
Ci vado domani (I will go there tomorrow)
Ci = al supermercato (at the supermarket)
“C’è” is the short form of “ci è”, while “ci sono” is the plural form and they state the presence or existence of someone or something.
Examples:
C’è troppo zucchero nel mio caffè. (There is too much sugar in my coffee.)
Ci sono molti negozi a Milano. (There are a lot of shops in Milan.)
Ci sono molte ragioni per partire. (There are many reasons to leave.)
C’è qualcuno in cucina? (Is there someone in the kitchen?)
To express negation, you just need to put the particle NON before “c’è / ci sono”.
Examples:
Non c’è nessuno in cucina. (There isn’t anyone in the kitchen.)
Non ci sono penne nell’astuccio. (There aren’t any pens in the pencil case.)
Back to Italian lesson on: there is / are – c’è / ci sono
