Question 1

Why do we use sullo here instead of sul?

Accepted Answer

Sullo is the combination of su (on) and the definite article lo (the). We use lo because the noun specchio is masculine and starts with an 's' followed by a consonant ('p'). When you combine su + lo, it merges into sullo. If the word used il, you would use sul.

Question 2

Why use c'è (is there) instead of just è (is)?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, asking 'What is on the mirror?' is naturally phrased as 'What is there on the mirror?'. You use c'è when talking about the existence or physical presence of something in a specific place. Using just è would sound like you are asking for a definition rather than checking a location.

Question 3

Can I just say Cosa instead of Che cosa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! When asking 'What?', Italians use che cosa, just cosa, or just che. They all mean the exact same thing in this context. Che cosa is the most traditional form, but Cosa c'è sullo specchio? is extremely common in spoken Italian.

Question 4

How is the 'cch' pronounced in specchio?

Accepted Answer

The 'h' makes the 'c' hard, so it sounds like a 'k' in English. Without the 'h', a 'c' before an 'i' or 'e' makes a soft 'ch' sound (like in the English word cheese). Because of the 'h', specchio is pronounced 'spek-kyo'.

Che cosa c'è sullo specchio?

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