What are Relative Pronouns?
Relative pronouns are words that introduce relative clauses, that is, dependent clauses that modify an item that is present in the main clause of a sentence.
In other words, a relative pronoun links two sentences together to provide additional yet essential information, making the sentence more specific and informative.
Relative pronouns are mainly used to:
- combine two sentences in order to reduce repetitions improving sentence flow.
- introduce essential details about the noun they relate to, adding depth and context.
- clarify which specific person or thing you are talking about.
You are probably already familiar with the Italian relative pronoun che, which can be translated as “who”, “which”, or “that”. However, while che is used with transitive verbs, the relative pronoun cui is used with intransitive verbs. This means that cui is always preceded by a preposition.
Here, I will show you what cui means, how it is used, and when.
“Cui” in Italian
What Does “cui” Mean in Italian?
As simple as it is, cui is translated as “which” or “whom”. The important thing to keep in mind when translating this relative pronoun, is the preposition that precedes it. In fact, its meaning is mainly given by the preposition.
Have a look at examples below:
Mi piace il libro di cui mi hai parlato.
I like the book about which you talked.
Non conosco la ragazza con cui sei venuto.
I don’t know that girl with whom you came.
As you can see, cui is translated as “which” and “whom”, but the prepositions di (about) and con(with) provide the actual meaning of the sentence.
Without the preposition, the two sentences would make no sense. In fact, if a verb selects a preposition for its valence, the preposition must be present in order for the sentence to be grammatically fulfilled.
How to use “cui” in Italian?
What you have learned so far is that prepositions are mandatory when using cui. Italian prepositions are the following:
- di, a, da, in, con, su, per, tra, fra
Therefore, when combined with the relative pronoun, we obtain expressions like:
- di cui
- a cui
- da cui
- in cui
- con cui
- su cui
- per cui
- tra cui
- fra cui
As you might have noticed, the relative pronoun cui never changes. In fact, it is an invariable word that does not have to agree in gender and number with any noun in the sentence it appears in.
Also, you need no definite articles. Agreement in gender and number and the use of the article are mandatory when using quale with the meaning of “which”, so make sure you understand the differences between these two expressions!
Let me now show you some examples with cui preceded by prepositions. After each example, I will give you an extensive explanation as to why it is used that way.
Non so qual è il paese da cui viene Lucia.
I don’t know which is the country from which Lucia comes.
The verb venire requires the preposition da, therefore when we link the two sentences together I must take the preposition into account.
Il topo è morto nella trappola in cui è caduto.
The mouse died in the trap in which it fell.
Also here, the verb cadere requires the preposition in, therefore you have to make sure it is present in the relative clause.
Non mi piacciono gli amici con cui esci.
I don’t like the friends with whom you go out.
Uscire con is the valence of the verb, so when we use gli amici in the first sentence, we have to ensure the preposition which introduces it is present.
La donna a cui ho consegnato la lettera è tua zia.
The woman to whom I gave a letter is your aunt.
At this point I am sure you know what is happening, challenge yourself and comment below!
Vorrei un letto su cui dormire.
I’d like a bed on which I can sleep.
“Che” vs “cui” in Italian
As I mentioned before, the main difference between these two Italian relative pronouns is the type of verb they are selected by:
Che
It is the most common relative pronoun and can refer to both people and things. It can be used in the subject or the object position in a sentence, given the fact that it is used with transitive verbs. It is translated as “who”, “which”, and “that” in English. For example:
La persona che hai incontrato è mia sorella.
The person (who) you met talking is my sister
Il libro che ho letto è interessante.
The book that I read is interesting.
As you can see, both incontrare and leggere are two Italian transitive verb, meaning they require no preposition to be linked to the object. In these two examples, the direct objects are la persona and il libro.
- Cui
It is used with prepositions and is, therefore, used when the relative clause is introduced by an intransitive verb. It replaces “whom”, “which”, or “that” in English when preceded by a preposition. For example:
L’uomo a cui ho dato il libro è mio zio.
The man to whom I gave the book is my uncle.
La casa in cui vivo è vecchia.
The house in which I live is old
As you can see, both dareand vivere are two Italian intransitive verb, meaning they require a preposition to be linked to the object. In these two examples, the indirect objects are l’uomo and la casa.
So, the choice between “che” and “cui” depends on whether the clause requires a preposition.
