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Che problema che sono queste restrizioni!

Che problema che sono queste restrizioni!
What a problem these restrictions are!
From Lesson 446:Emphatic exclamations (che)·Italian

Questions & Answers about Che problema che sono queste restrizioni!

Why are there two ches in this exclamation?
The second che is a pleonastic word, meaning it is not strictly necessary for the grammar but is added for emphasis. In Italian exclamations, placing a second che between the noun phrase (Che problema) and the verb makes the emotion stronger and sounds very natural in spoken language.
Could I remove the second che and still be grammatically correct?
Yes, you can. Saying Che problema sono queste restrizioni! is perfectly correct and means the same thing. However, inserting the extra che is a common colloquial habit that adds an emphatic punch, much like putting heavy vocal stress on the word are in the English phrase.
Why is the verb sono plural when the exclamation starts with the singular noun problema?
The verb sono must agree with the true subject of the sentence, which is the plural phrase queste restrizioni. The singular word problema acts as the subject complement. This matches the English logic: these restrictions (plural subject) are (plural verb) a problem (singular complement).
Why is the subject queste restrizioni placed at the very end of the sentence?
In Italian exclamations using this emphatic double-che structure, the required word order is Che plus the noun or adjective, followed by the second che, then the verb, and finally the subject. Leaving the subject until the end puts all the focus on your reaction (Che problema) right from the first syllable.

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