What Does “Ci” Mean in Italian?
In all languages, there are some words that are quite hard to fully understand. This is because they usually have many different meanings and can be used in several contexts, which makes them versatile and, therefore, also very common. The Italianci is one of them.
It can be used as a direct pronoun, an indirect pronoun, for places, as a reflexive pronoun for noi, and as a pronoun for some verbs with specific meanings in specific contexts, like credere (believe), volere (want), mettere (put), vedere(see), sentire(hear), etc.
In this article, I am going to focus on the circumstances when ci is used together with verbs to either emphasize or change their meaning.
Verbs Ending in -ci
Verbs that alter their meaning when linked to a pronoun are called pronominal verbs. Let me show you some of these verbs:
- Sentirci: From its original meaning of sentire (to hear), this verb is used to indicate the ability to hear well. For example:
Non ci sento bene con le cuffie.
I can’t hear well with my headphones.
- Vederci: From its original meaning of vedere (to see), it is used to express the ability to see well. For instance:
Senza occhiali, non ci vedo da lontano.
Without glasses, I can’t see from apart.
- Crederci: Very similar to its original meaning of credere (to believe), this verb is used when someone believes in something specific, often used to express trust or faith in an idea or a project. For example:
Ci credo fermamente.
I firmly believe in it.
- Pensarci: Also very similar to its original meaning of pensare (to think), it is used when someone is considering or pondering something specific. It can also imply taking responsibility for thinking about or arranging something. For example:
Non pensarci troppo.
Don’t think about it too much.
- Provarci: Provare means “to try”, and this corresponding pronominal verb is often used when someone attempts or makes an effort to do something specific. For example:
Ha provato a parlarmi, ma non era il momento giusto.
He tried to talk to me, but it wasn’t the right moment.
- Tenerci: While tenere means “to keep”, this pronominal verb is used to express caring about something or someone specifically, showing emotional attachment or importance. For example:
Ci tengo molto a questa collana.
I really care about this necklace.
As you can see, the presence of the pronoun –ci gives a more complete meaning. For instance, saying credere (to believe) is different from saying crederci (to believe in something specific).
The placement of ci is coherent with the placement of all types of pronouns. Therefore, it can either follow or precede the verb depending on the conjugation the verb itself.
How to use Pronominal Verbs
Vederci
In Italian, you cannot just say non vedo because it sounds incomplete. If you say non vedo you need a direct object to fulfil the valence of the verb, required to specify what exactly you cannot see.
If you want to only say that you cannot see, you need to add –ci.
Lei ci vede solo con gli occhiali.
She is only able to see with glasses.
Sentirci
Just like in the previous example, the same happens with “sentirci”. You cannot just say senti bene? because it sounds incomplete.
Mia nonna non ci sente più.
My grandmother cannot hear anything anymore.
Be aware of the fact that, in both cases, ci might also means “us”, because its form is the same as the direct pronoun for “noi”. Therefore, the meaning of the word or sentence strongly depends on the context.
Crederci
A: Mia sorella è incinta.
B: Non ci credo!
A: My sister is pregnant.
B: I can’t believe it!
Pensarci
A: Sto organizzando una festa. Volete venire?
B: Ci pensiamo e ti facciamo sapere.
A: I’m organizing a party. Do you want to come?
B: We’ll think about it and let you know.
Provarci
A: L’esame è troppo difficile.
B: Almeno provaci.
A: The exam is too difficult.
B: At least try it.
Tenerci
Vieni stasera. Ci tengo!
Come tonight. I care about it!
Pronominal Verbs: Provaci!
Understanding these Italian pronominal verbs can significantly deepen your comprehension and expression in Italian. Being able to use them in the right way and in the right context will allow you to convey special nuances.
These verbs not only enrich your vocabulary but also enhance your ability to express a wide range of specific actions and emotions accurately.
For people aiming at learning Italian, focusing on these aspects can provide a significant boost in conversational skills as well as comprehension.
Non ci credi? Provaci! (You don’t believe it? Try it!)
