The meanings of SI

The small word SI has several meanings in Italian. Do you know them all yet?

Meanings of SI

sì = yes

That’s simple. Sì, written but with an accent, means “yes”.
Ti piace l’Italia? – Sì, molto! Do you like Italy? – Yes, a lot!

si = reflexive pronoun

SI is the reflexive pronoun for the 3rd person singular and plural. We always use reflexive pronouns with reflexive verbs like lavarsi (to wash yourself), vestirsi (to get dressed), alzarsi (to stand up), divertirsi (to have fun), muoversi (to move).
Paola si diverte. Paola has fun.

More about reflexive verbs in our lesson.

si = one

SI can also be an impersonal pronoun and means “one” (or a general “you”, someone).

In Italia si mangia bene. In Italy, one eats well.

If there is a reference word (a what?), the verb aligns with it and is in the 3rd person singular or plural accordingly.

La pizza si mangia in pizzeria. One eats pizza in the pizzeria.
I libri si comprano in libreria. One buys books in the bookstore.

More about the impersonal SI in our lesson.

si = B

Il si is also, in music, a note, namely the B. Do you already know the notes in Italian?

DO RE MI FA SOL LA SI C D E F G A B

Piove, piove

The famous Italian nursery rhyme “Piove, piove” is very good to look at the different meanings of SI!

piove piove la gatta non si muove

It rains, it rains, the cat does not move. One lights the candle and says “Good evening!”. 

Si muove reflexive moves
Si accende la candela impersonal ( + singular) one lights the candle
Si accendono le candele impersonal ( + plural) one lights the candles
Si dice impersonal one says

Impara di più!

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