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How to Say ‘Yes, but there's a red light.’ in Italian

Sì, ma c'è una luce rossa.

see mah keh eh OO-nah LOO-cheh ROHS-sah

[see mah keh eh OO-nah LOO-cheh ROHS-sah]

Phrase Breakdown

Sì, ma c'è

see mah keh eh

Yes, but there is

'Sì' means yes and 'ma' means but. Pause briefly after 'Sì'.

Example

Sì, ma c'è un problema.

Yes, but there's a problem.

Words in this phrase

Sì

[see]

yes

A simple affirmative answer, useful in conversation and interviews.

Example

Rispondo "Sì" quando mi chiedono se mi interessa la cultura aziendale.

I answer "Yes" when they ask me if I am interested in the company culture.

[mah]

But

Used to introduce a contrasting statement or question.

Example

Ma non capisco perché ma allora lei è felice.

But I don't understand why but then she is happy.

[keh]

there

A contraction indicating the presence of something.

Example

C'è un gatto nel giardino.

There is a cat in the garden.

[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.

una luce rossa.

OO-nah LOO-cheh ROHS-sah

a red light.

In Italian the adjective usually comes after the noun: 'luce rossa' = red light.

Example

Vedo una luce rossa.

I see a red light.

Words in this phrase

una

[OO-nah]

Feminine singular indefinite article before a feminine noun.

Example

Ho lavorato in una piccola azienda.

I worked in a small company.

luce

[LOO-cheh]

light

Light, including a small indicator light on a device.

Example

Spegni la luce, per favore.

Turn off the light, please.

rossa

[ROHS-sah]

red (feminine)

Feminine form of 'rosso', used with feminine nouns.

Example

La mela è rossa.

The apple is red.

Guides for Italian learners

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