Question 1

Why does chi translate here as "those who" instead of asking a question?

Accepted Answer

In this sentence, chi is used as a relative pronoun rather than a question word. When used this way to refer to a general, unspecified group of people, it means "whoever," "anyone who," or "those who."

Question 2

If the translation is "those who" (plural), why are the verbs rischia and guadagna in the singular form?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, the pronoun chi always takes a third-person singular verb, no matter what. Even though it represents a plural concept like "the people who," you must use the singular rischia and guadagna, never their plural forms.

Question 3

Is there a grammatical reason non appears twice in such a short sentence?

Accepted Answer

It is simply negating both verbs independently. The sentence combines two separate negative statements: Chi non rischia (Whoever does not risk) and non guadagna (does not gain).

Question 4

Is this sentence a common Italian idiom?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a very popular proverb in Italian. While the literal translation is "Those who do not risk do not gain," it is the exact equivalent of the English saying "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Chi non rischia non guadagna.

Breakdown of Chi non rischia non guadagna.

Questions & Answers about Chi non rischia non guadagna.

Learn Chi non rischia non guadagna and more in Italian