Interrogative pronouns in Italian - Pronomi interrogativi in italiano

When we ask questions in Italian, interrogative pronouns help us to find out specific information: who (chi) is involved, what (che cosa) is happening, where (dove), when (quando) or why (perché).
In this article we will look at the most common interrogative pronouns and see how they are used in everyday sentences. We will also look at some regional and register variations.

What are interrogative pronouns?

Interrogative pronouns are words that take the place of the subject or object of a sentence when we ask a question.
Here are the most common ones:

Chi? - Used to ask about people.
For example: 
Chi è il tuo amico? 

Che cosa? / Cosa? / Che? - Used to ask about things or actions.

The three forms are interchangeable, but with some differences in usage and register.

For example: 

Che cosa fai oggi? 

Cosa fai oggi?

Che fai oggi?

Quale? / Quali?- Used to ask for a choice between several options. 
Which is gender-invariant, but changes between singular and plural.

Singular example: 

Quale libro stai leggendo? -  (il libro - masculine definite articles)

Quale città hai visitato? (la città - femminine definite articles)

Plural example: 

Quali libri stai leggendo? (i libri)
Quali città hai visitato? (le città)

Dove? - Used to ask about a place.

For example: 
Dove studi?

Quando? - Used to ask about the time or moment when something happens.

For example: 

Quando torni a casa?

Perché? - Used to ask the reason or motive for something.

For example: 

Perché studi italiano?

Come? - Used to ask about the way we do something.
For example: 
Come si arriva al museo?

Quanto/a/i/e? - Used to ask about quantity and is the same in gender and number as the noun it refers to.

Masculine singular example: Quanto zucchero vuoi?

Feminine plural example: Quante mele ci sono?

Che cosa? / Cosa? / Che? Differences in use and register

In Italian you can choose between che cosa, cosa and che to ask questions about objects or actions. The three forms are interchangeable, but there are differences in register and, in some cases, regional differences:

'Che cosa' is the most neutral and complete form.

For example: 

Che cosa mangi a pranzo?

'Cosa' is a shorter version and very common in the spoken language, especially in Northern Italy.

For example: 

Cosa mangi a pranzo?

‘Che’ is the shortest and most informal form, often used in colloquial speech and most common in central and southern Italy. It can give a more confidential or familiar tone to conversation.

For example: 

Che mangi?

In summary, 'che cosa' is more formal or suitable for neutral contexts, 'cosa' is perfect for everyday use, and is mostly used in very informal or colloquial situations. 
Moreover, the form ‘Che mangi?' is particularly widespread in Central-Southern Italy and can sound very informal or familiar, whereas 'Cosa mangi?' is more used in the North and in less informal contexts.

How are interrogative pronouns used?

Interrogative pronouns are always placed at the beginning of a question. Let's look at some practical examples:

• Chi ti ha chiamato? (Who called you?)

• Dove abiti? (Where do you live?)

• Quale colore ti piace di più? (Which colour do you like best?)

• Quando parte il treno? (When does the train leave?)

• Perché sei in ritardo? (Why are you late?)

• Come arrivi in ufficio? (How do you get to the office?)

• Quanti amici hai invitato alla festa? (How many friends have you invited to the party?)

Some important points to remember

• Chi is only used for people.

• Che cosa / Cosa / Che can be used for things or actions, but with differences in register.

• Quale only varies between singular and plural. There is no difference between masculine and feminine:

For example: 
Quale sedia? (feminine singular)
Quali sedie? (feminine plural)

Quale libro? (masculine singular)

Quali libri? (masculine plural)

• Quanto/a/i/e matches the noun in gender and number:

For example: 
Quanto pane? (how much bread?) - masculine singular
Quanta acqua? (how much water?) - feminine singular
Quanti studenti? (how many students) - masculine plural
Quante case? (How many houses?) - feminine plural

To conclude

Mastering the interrogative pronouns in Italian is essential if you want to ask questions effectively and understand others. Whether you're asking Chi for people, Che cosa for things or actions, Dove for places or Quanto for quantities, these pronouns provide the tools to navigate everyday conversation. Incorporating them into real-life situations is the best way to become familiar with them. The more you practise, the more natural they will feel. So start using them in your everyday conversations and observe how native speakers use them, adapting to context and region. 

If you have any questions or would like to share your learning experience, please leave a comment below. I'm curious to know how you are progressing on your language journey!

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