Have you ever been in a lively Italian café, surrounded by the buzz of conversation, wishing you could join in?
Maybe you’re planning a dream trip to Rome or just want to impress your Italian friends.
Learning how to say what in Italian is a simple yet powerful step to connect with the language and culture.
The word “what” in Italian is “cosa”, but using it correctly can feel tricky. Don’t worry!
This guide will break it down with easy tips and real-life examples, so you’ll feel confident asking questions in Italian.
Whether you’re chatting with locals or exploring Italy’s charm, mastering “cosa” opens doors to meaningful conversations. Let’s dive in and make Italian fun and approachable!
Understanding “Cosa” as “What” in Italian
The Italian word for “what” is “cosa”, pronounced koh-sah. It’s used to ask about things, objects, or ideas. Unlike English, where “what” is straightforward, Italian has nuances depending on the sentence. For example, you might say “Cosa fai?” (What are you doing?) to ask about someone’s actions.
Real-life scenario: Imagine you’re at an Italian market, and a vendor offers you a sample. You’re curious about the item. You could say, “Cosa è questo?” (What is this?). Avoid saying “Che è questo?” as “che” is better for “which” or “that.”
Example:
- Do say: “Cosa vuoi mangiare?” (What do you want to eat?)
- Don’t say: “Che vuoi mangiare?” (Sounds unnatural for “what.”)
Practice “cosa” in simple questions to sound natural and polite.
Using “Cosa” in Everyday Conversations
In daily Italian conversations, “cosa” is your go-to for asking about things or situations. It’s versatile and fits casual settings, like chatting with friends or coworkers. For example, if someone looks upset, you might ask, “Cosa c’è?” (What’s wrong?).
Real-life scenario: You’re at a friend’s house in Italy, and they’re cooking something delicious. To ask about it, say, “Cosa stai cucinando?” (What are you cooking?). This shows interest and keeps the conversation flowing. Avoid vague phrases like “Cosa è?” which can sound abrupt or unclear.
Example:
- Do say: “Cosa succede?” (What’s happening?)
- Don’t say: “Cosa è successo?” (Better for “What happened?” in past tense.)
Using “cosa” in these contexts makes you sound friendly and engaged.
Combining “Cosa” with Other Question Words
Sometimes, “cosa” pairs with other question words for specific meanings. For example, “Per cosa?” means “For what?” or “Why?” in certain contexts. This combo helps you dig deeper into conversations.
Real-life scenario: You’re at a train station in Milan, and your friend is buying a ticket. You might ask, “Per cosa è quel biglietto?” (What’s that ticket for?). This clarifies their plans. Don’t say “Cosa è quel biglietto?” as it’s less precise and might confuse the listener.
Example:
- Do say: “Di cosa parli?” (What are you talking about?)
- Don’t say: “Cosa parli?” (Sounds incomplete without “di.”)
Pairing “cosa” with prepositions like “di” or “per” adds clarity to your questions.
Asking Questions Politely with “Cosa”
Politeness matters in Italian, especially when asking questions. Adding words like “scusa” (sorry) or “per favore” (please) makes “cosa” sound kinder. For example, “Scusa, cosa hai detto?” (Sorry, what did you say?) feels warm and respectful.
Real-life scenario: You’re in a busy Italian restaurant, and the waiter is explaining the specials. If you miss something, say, “Per favore, cosa significa questo piatto?” (Please, what does this dish mean?). Avoid blunt phrases like “Cosa è questo piatto?” which can sound rude.
Example:
- Do say: “Scusa, cosa posso ordinare?” (Sorry, what can I order?)
- Don’t say: “Cosa ordinare?” (Sounds abrupt and incomplete.)
Polite phrasing with “cosa” builds better connections with native speakers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with “Cosa”
New learners often mix up “cosa” with other words like “che” (which or that) or “qual è” (what is). Using “cosa” incorrectly can confuse listeners. For instance, “Cosa è il tuo nome?” is wrong; the correct phrase is “Qual è il tuo nome?” (What is your name?).
Real-life scenario: You’re meeting someone new at a language exchange in Florence. To ask about their job, say, “Cosa fai di lavoro?” (What do you do for work?). Don’t say “Che fai di lavoro?” as it sounds off to native speakers.
Example:
- Do say: “Cosa significa questa parola?” (What does this word mean?)
- Don’t say: “Che significa questa parola?” (“Che” is for “which” here.)
Pay attention to context to avoid these common errors.
Practicing “Cosa” in Italian Culture
Using “cosa” correctly can help you blend into Italian culture. Italians love lively discussions, and asking questions with “cosa” shows curiosity. Practice with phrases like “Cosa pensi?” (What do you think?) to spark conversations.
Real-life scenario: You’re at a family gathering in Naples, and everyone’s debating pizza toppings. Jump in with, “Cosa consigliate per la pizza?” (What do you recommend for pizza?). Avoid overly formal phrases like “Cosa si dovrebbe scegliere?” which feels stiff in casual settings.
Example:
- Do say: “Cosa piace fare qui?” (What do people like to do here?)
- Don’t say: “Cosa è popolare qui?” (Sounds unnatural.)
Using “cosa” in cultural settings makes you sound like a local.
Final Thoughts on How to Say What in Italian
Learning how to say what in Italian with “cosa” is a small but mighty step toward speaking like a native.
From asking about food in a market to joining a lively debate, “cosa” helps you connect with people and culture.
By practicing polite phrases, avoiding common mistakes, and using “cosa” in everyday scenarios, you’ll feel more confident.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be chatting effortlessly in Italian. Buon viaggio on your language journey!
