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Grammar Lesson 56:

The pronoun "chi"

The relative pronoun chi can refer both to persons and animals. It is used in the singular form (both masculine and feminine), and translates as “he / she / those who”.

Being the combination of a personal pronoun (colui, colei) and a relative pronoun (il quale, la quale) chi has a double function in the sentence.

It can function as:

- Subject of the two clauses. For example:

Chi ama non ha paura / He (or she) who loves is not afraid

- Subject of the first clause and direct object of the second. For example:

Ammiro chi non ha paura. / I admire those who are not afraid.

- Indirect object of the first clause and subject (or indirect object) of the second. For example:

Sii gentile con chi ti ama. / Be kind to those who love you.

When used as an indefinite relative pronoun chi translates as “someone who”, “whoever, anybody (who)”. For example:

- Ho trovato chi può aiutarti / I’ve found someone who can help you

- Vieni con chi vuoi alla festa / Come with whoever you want to the party

Chi can also be an interrogative pronoun, translating as “who” (when subject), or “who, whom, which one, whose” (when direct / indirect object). For example:

- Chi ha paura del lupo cattivo / Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? —> subject

- Chi hai invitato? / Who did you invite? —> direct object

- Chi delle due preferisci, me o mia sorella? —> Which one do you prefer, my sister or me? —> direct object

- A chi hai regalato il mio libro? / Whom did you give my book to? —> indirect object

- Di chi è quel cappotto? / Whose coat is that? —> specification

Chi can also be used as an exclamatory pronoun.

Some expressions:

- A chi lo dici! / You tell me!

- Senti chi parla! / Look who’s talking!

- Guarda chi si vede! / Look who’s here!

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