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Questions & Answers about Sì, ci vediamo in piazza.
What does ci vediamo literally mean, and what does it functionally mean here?
Literally, ci vediamo means “we see each other.” In everyday speech it functions as “See you” or “We’ll meet,” so Sì, ci vediamo in piazza means “Yes, see you in the square / Yes, we’ll meet in the square.”
What is ci doing in ci vediamo? Does it mean “us” or “there”?
Here ci is the reciprocal clitic meaning “each other” (“we see each other”). It is not the locative ci (“there”) in this sentence.
Why is it the present tense (vediamo) instead of the future (vedremo)?
Italian often uses the present to talk about near-future plans. Ci vediamo in piazza naturally means “We’ll meet in the square”; ci vedremo is also correct but can sound more formal or slightly more distant.
What’s the difference between ci vediamo and vediamoci?
- Ci vediamo states or confirms a plan (“we’ll meet”) or works as a goodbye (“see you”).
- Vediamoci is a suggestion/imperative (“let’s meet”).
Note the pronoun position: in the imperative it attaches to the verb (vediamoci), otherwise it comes before (ci vediamo).
Can ci vediamo stand alone as a goodbye?
Yes. Ci vediamo! is a very common way to say “See you!”
Why in piazza and not alla piazza or a piazza?
For public squares, Italian idiomatically uses in: in piazza (“in/at the square”). Alla piazza is unusual unless you specifically mean “at the (particular) square,” and even then in piazza is preferred.
How do I refer to a named square?
Use in + capitalized name, with no article: in Piazza Navona, in Piazza Garibaldi. You can also say in piazza without a name when it’s obvious which main square you mean.
How do I add a time, and where does it go?
Both word orders are fine:
- Ci vediamo in piazza alle 5.
- Ci vediamo alle 5 in piazza.
Use alle before the hour (e.g., alle 5, alle otto).
How do you pronounce the sentence?
Approximate guide:
- Sì = “see” (with stressed, accented i)
- ci = “chee”
- vediamo = “veh-DYAH-mo” (stress on “-DYA-,” the “ia” glides)
- in = “een”
- piazza = “PYAHT-tsa” (double “zz” as a long “ts”)
Why is there an accent on Sì, and is the comma necessary?
Sì (“yes”) takes a grave accent to distinguish it from si (the pronoun/particle). The comma after Sì is standard because Sì is an interjection; it helps readability but isn’t strictly mandatory.
Can I include the subject noi?
You can say Noi ci vediamo in piazza, but Italian normally drops subject pronouns. Ci vediamo in piazza is the default unless you want emphasis on “we.”
Can I drop ci and just say Vediamo in piazza?
No. Without ci, vediamo means “we see” (something), not “we see each other.” You need ci to express the reciprocal idea: ci vediamo.
Is ci vediamo formal or informal? Any alternatives?
It’s neutral and fine in most contexts. Alternatives include A presto (“See you soon”), A dopo (“See you later”), A domani (“See you tomorrow”).
What’s the nuance difference between ci vediamo and ci incontriamo?
Both work for arranging a meeting. Ci incontriamo (“we meet each other”) can sound a bit more explicit or formal about a planned meet-up, while ci vediamo is broader and very common in everyday speech.
How do I say “See you there”?
Ci vediamo lì or Ci vediamo là. Use lì/là for “there,” and keep ci for the reciprocal; avoid doubling ci.