C’è and ci sono
Use c’è for one thing and ci sono for more than one when introducing what exists or is present.
Examples
ItalianTranslation
C’è un bar molto tranquillo qui vicino.
There is a very quiet cafe nearby.
Ci sono due posti liberi.
There are two free seats.
Non c’è tempo adesso.
There is no time right now.
Pattern
c’è + singular / ci sono + plural
How it works
Use c’è for one thing and ci sono for more than one when introducing what exists or is present. This pattern typically appears as c’è + singular / ci sono + plural and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- This structure introduces existence, not identity.
- The verb changes with singular or plural meaning.
Why it matters
These forms do the daily work of beginner Italian.
Use in context
This is one of the most useful patterns for describing scenes and places.