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How to Say ‘What is it?’ in Italian

Che cos'è?

keh kohs eh

[keh kohs eh]

💬 Usage Tip: cos'è is cosa "what" plus è "is", with the final vowel of cosa dropped. Add any noun to ask about it: Che cos'è un lungo? "What's a lungo?"

Phrase Breakdown

Che

[keh]

what

Question word used to ask for information or specification.

Example

Che tipo di ruolo cerchi?

What kind of role are you looking for?

cos'

[kohs]

what is

Shortened form of cosa è; together with che it helps ask what something is.

Example

Che cos'è questo? lo chiedo se non conosco l'ingrediente.

What is this? I ask it if I do not know the ingredient.

[eh]

Third-person singular of 'essere'; used to describe a person, company, or situation.

Example

Quando dici È in È molto umana, stai descrivendo l'azienda.

When you say 'È' in 'È molto umana,' you are describing the company.

Guides for Italian learners

Duolingo vs Busuu: Which Is Better for Actually Improving?Duolingo vs Busuu compared: a free gamified habit versus structured levels with corrections from native speakers. Which to choose, and when to use both.

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