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!
