Ci Flashcards
Particle “ci” – uses
(1) to mean “there”, replacing a place/location usually introduced by “a” (also “in” or “da” when they mean “to”, as in “in Italian”, “in banca”, “da Marco”, “dal dottore”).
(2) to replace a prepositional or verb phrase usually introduced by “a” (when it refers to a thing or action, not a person)**; but also “in” or “su” (when they refer to a thing, action, or person).
(3) part of idiomatic verbs.
*(In other uses, “ci” is a direct, indirect, and reflexive pronoun (“us”, “to us”, “ourselves”.)
**(When “a” refers to a person, the i.o. pronoun must be used).
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Ci –place/location
(1) “Ci” can mean “there”(though not often translated in English), referring to a place/location previously mentioned. (2) The prior reference is usually introduced by “a”, and often being in a place or refers to movement to the place. (3) It can also be introduced by “in” when it means “to” (“in città”, “in Francia”), or by “da” when it means “to” (“da Marco”, “dal dottore”).
Quando vai a Roma? (reply)
Ci vado domani.
Perchè hai la borsa? (reply)
Per metterci i soldi!
I went to Florence last year, and I would like to return there. (using ci)
Sono andato a Firenze l’anno scorso, e vorrei ritornarci.
I’m returning to the city tomorrow. Are you coming (there) too? (using ci)
Ritornerò alla città domani. Ci vieni anche tu?
When are you going to your grandmother’s house? I’m going (there) at 8:00. (using ci)
A che ora vai da tua nonna? Ci vado alle otto.
The doctor is in the office today, and will be there tomorrow also. (using ci)
L dottoressa è in ufficio (studio) oggi, e ci sarà anche domani.
If you look behind the sofa, (there) you will find the shoes.
Se cercai dietro il divano, ci troverai le scarpe.
“ci” as there – commonly with these verbs
“Ci” is often used with these verbs, because they are often linked with prepositional phrases designating locations using “a”: andare, venire, stare, rimanere, restare
“Ci” – replacing a phrase
(1) “Ci” can replace a previous prepositional or verb phrase introduced by “a” (when it refers to a thing or action, not a person), or “in” or “su” (when they refer to a thing, action, or person).
Note: When “a” refers to a person, the i.o. pronoun, not “ci”, must be used for most verbs, but pensare takes the d.o. pronoun or “a lei”, “a lui”, etc.
“Ci” replacing a phrase – common verbs
“Ci” replacing a prepositional phrase often occurs with these verbs: (1) pensare a, (2) credere in/a, (3) riuscire a,(4) contare su
Can I count on your help. Of course, you can count on it. (using ci)
Posso contare su tuo aiuto? Certo, puoi contarci.
Did you manage to do the exercises? No, I didn’t (manage to do them). (using ci)
Sei riuscito a fare gli esercizi? No, non ci sono riuscito.
Are you thinking about your vacation? Yes, I’m thinking about it. (using ci)
Pensai alla tua vacanza? Si, ci penso.
Are you going to dance . Yes, I’m going (to dance). (using ci)
Vai a ballare? Si, ci vado.
Did you manage to finish? Yes, I managed (to finish). (using ci)
Sei riuscito a finire? Si, ci sono riuscito.
Did you respond to Giula? Yes, I responded to her.
vs.
Did you respond to the letter? Yes, I responded (to it).
Hai risposto a Giula? Si, le ho risposto.
vs.
Hai risposto alla lettere? Si c’ho risposto.
to believe in something
crederci
Credi ai fantasmi? No, no ci credo.
to think about it/take care of it
pensarci
Chi prepara la cena? Ci penso.
to take, in terms of how long it takes the subject person to do something
metterci
Quanto ci metti per arrivare? Ci metto un’ora.
to take (as in it takes this long in time, impersonal;) or to be necessary (as in it is needed, impersonal)
volerci
Ci vuole un ora.
Ci vogliono due ore.
Ci vuole un’altra forchetta.
To manage to do something (colloquial)
farcela
Ce la fai venire alla festa.
Non ce faccio più.
to be angry with (colloquial)
avercela con
Marco ce l’ha con me.
