The pronoun chi is called a double pronoun or a mixed pronoun (pronome doppio o misto) because it combines two types of pronouns: a demonstrative pronoun (pronome dimostrativo) or an indefinite pronoun (pronome indefinito) and a relative pronoun (pronome relativo).
Chi can mean, depending on the context, a variety of different things. Chi replaces the phrases colui/colei che (he/she who), qualcuno che (someone who) or, when used with a plural meaning, quelli che (those who), coloro che (they who), and tutte le persone che (people who).
Unlike the other relative pronouns, chi does not require the use of an antecedent. Chi is invariable and it is used only for people and not for things. Chi can function as a subject, direct object or indirect object. When chi is used as the subject of the relative clause, it always takes the third person singular. Chi is often found in generalized sayings and proverbs, which you will see in some of the example sentences.
Chi can mean, depending on the context, a variety of different things. Chi replaces the phrases colui/colei che (he/she who), qualcuno che (someone who) or, when used with a plural meaning, quelli che (those who), coloro che (they who), and tutte le persone che (people who).
Unlike the other relative pronouns, chi does not require the use of an antecedent. Chi is invariable and it is used only for people and not for things. Chi can function as a subject, direct object or indirect object. When chi is used as the subject of the relative clause, it always takes the third person singular. Chi is often found in generalized sayings and proverbs, which you will see in some of the example sentences.
| Chi ben comincia è a metà dell’opera. He who begins well is already halfway there. (Well begun is half done.) Chi vuole ancora un po’ di gelato è invitato a presentarsi al tavolo del buffet. Those who want some more ice cream are invited to come to the buffet table. Mio fratello può dare la notizia a chi vuole. My brother can give the news to whomever he wants. Mio fratello è libero di parlare con chi vuole. My brother is free to speak with whomever he wants. Paolo sceglie sempre con cura chi mette nella lista dei relatori. Paolo always picks carefully whom he places on the speakers list. Chi dorme non piglia pesci. He who sleeps doesn’t get any fish. (The early bird gets the worm.) Conosco chi ti può aiutare. I know someone who can help you. A me non piace chi non dice quello che pensa. I do not like those who do not speak their mind. Si rivolge a chi non vota mai. She is addressing those who never vote. |