All the people learning Italian are usually interested in understanding all the meanings of the curious Italian word ci.
Indeed, ci in Italian can really have several different meanings and mastering its use can be sometimes difficult.
If you’re interested in learning all the meanings the Italian particle ci can have, have a look at What’s the meaning of the word ci in Italian?
Ci in Italian, however, is also used in many common Italian expressions. So, in this article, you’re going to learn some verbs and expressions that are formed with the Italian word ci.
METTERCI
Metterci is an Italian verb that has at least one meaning that is not very intuitive. In fact, this verb is used to indicate the time a person or thing takes to do something.
Ex: Quanto tempo ci metti a costruire un armadio?
How long does it take you to build a wardrobe?
METTERCELA TUTTA
Mettercela tutta is an Italian expression that means to do your best to do something.
Ex: Ce la metterò tutta per vincere!
I’ll do my best to win
ESSERCI
When ci in Italian is added to the verb essere, this Italian verb acquires new meanings.
Esserci can mean:
a. There is/there are
Ex1: Ci sono delle lettere per te
There are some letters for you
Ex2: C’è una lettera per te
There’s a letter for you
b. That someone has understood something
Ex: Ci sono! Finalmente ho capito come si resolve questo rebus!
Got it! I’ve finally understood how to solve this rebus!
c. That someone is ready
Ex: Sandro ci sei? E’ tardi, perdereme il treno!
Sandro, are you ready? It’s late, we’ll lose/miss the train!
PRENDERCI GUSTO
This Italian expression indicates that someone is starting to like or appreciate something that s/he didn’t like or appreciate before.
Ex: Ci sto prendendo gusto a pattinare, e dire che non volevo neanche provare!
I’m starting to enjoy skating, and to think I didn’t even want to try!
TENERCI
When the Italian particle ci is combined with the verb tenere, this one changes its meaning into giving a big importance to something.
Ex: Ci tengo che voi veniate al mio matrimonio
It’s really important for me that you come to my wedding
VOLERCI
The Italian verb volerci can have multiple meanings.
It can mean to be necessary:
Ex: Ci vogliono 6 uova per fare questa torta
We need 6 eggs to make this cake
It can also indicate the time needed to do something:
Ex: Quanto ci vuole per arrivare alla stazione?
How long does it take to get to the station?
FARCELA
In Italian farcela can mean to be able to do something, to succeed in doing something.
Ex: Sono sicuro che ce la farai a superare l’esame
I’m sure you’ll be able to to pass your exam
VEDERCI CHIARO
The last expression with the Italian particle ci we learn today is vederci chiaro.
Vederci chiaro means to well understand a situation, putting, in this way, all your doubts to rest.
Ex 1: Prima di prendere una decisione voglio vederci chiaro
I want to understand it clearly before making a decision
Ex 2: Voglio vederci chiaro e capire se Luca sta mentendo
I want to get to the bottom of this and see if Luca is liyng
Did you already know these expressions with the Italian particle ci? Do you know other expressions with the particle ci in Italian?
Credits
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I loved this. Thank you.
One suggestion: “Sandro, are you ready? It’s late, we’ll lose the train!”
might be “Sandro, are you ready? It’s late, we’ll miss the train!”
I’m happy to hear you loved this article! And thank you for your suggestion, I’ve added it 🙂