What is ‘che’?
‘Che’ is a versatile word in Italian that can serve as a conjunction, pronoun, or relative pronoun.
Conjunction
As a conjunction, ‘che’ is commonly used to connect two clauses. For example:
- Penso che lui sia un bravo ragazzo. (I think he is a good guy.)
- Ho sentito che Maria ha vinto una medaglia. (I heard that Maria won a medal.)
Pronoun
‘Che’ can also function as a pronoun, replacing a noun. In this case, it is often translated as ‘what’ or ‘that which.’ For example:
- Non so che dire. (I don’t know what to say.)
- Ho comprato tutto che mi serviva. (I bought everything I needed.)
Relative Pronoun
As a relative pronoun, ‘che’ introduces a subordinate clause that provides additional information about a noun. It is equivalent to the English words ‘who,’ ‘whom,’ ‘which,’ or ‘that.’ For example:
- La persona che ho incontrato era molto gentile. (The person I met was very kind.)
- Ho visto il film che mi hai consigliato. (I watched the movie you recommended.)
Common Mistakes with ‘Che’
Learners often make mistakes when using ‘che’ in Italian grammar. Here are a few common errors to avoid:
- Using ‘che’ instead of ‘cui’ to introduce a relative clause when referring to a person or thing. For example, “La casa che abito” is incorrect, while “La casa cui abito” is correct.
- Using ‘che’ when ‘di che’ is required. For example, “Ho paura che tu abbia ragione” is incorrect, while “Ho paura di che tu abbia ragione” is correct.
‘Che’ is a versatile word in Italian grammar, serving as a conjunction, pronoun, or relative pronoun. Understanding its various functions is essential for mastering the Italian language. By avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance your communication skills and express yourself accurately in Italian.
So, next time you come across ‘che’ in Italian, think about its role in the sentence and use it correctly to convey your thoughts effectively. Happy learning!