The meanings of SI
The small word SI has several meanings in Italian. Do you know them all yet?
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!
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!
Reflexive verbs
Reflexive verbs are composed of a reflexive pronoun and a verb, like mi lavo.
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I am interested in understanding Italian better
I would like to know how to answer the question ‘Perche non si fa le unghie’ as I am puzzled