This lesson explores the Italian equivalents of the English word "that," which can be translated as "che" when used as a relative pronoun or conjunction, and as "quello" (with its various forms: quella, quelli, quelle) when used as a demonstrative adjective or pronoun. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for mastering Italian sentence structure and communication.
For more lessons and the complete course index, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Definition for the autodidact student: In Italian, "that" has two primary translations depending on its grammatical function. "Che" serves as a relative pronoun (the book that I read = il libro che leggo) and as a conjunction (I think that = penso che). "Quello" and its forms function as demonstrative adjectives and pronouns, pointing to specific objects or people (that book = quel libro/quello libro).
FAQ Schema: Question: What does "that" mean in Italian? Answer: "That" in Italian is primarily translated as "che" for relative pronouns and conjunctions, or as "quello/quella/quelli/quelle" for demonstrative uses. The choice depends on the grammatical function and the gender/number of the noun being modified.
How this topic word will be used in the lesson examples: Throughout this lesson, you will encounter both "che" and forms of "quello" in various contexts, from simple demonstrative uses to complex relative clauses. The examples progress from basic pointing functions to sophisticated grammatical constructions, helping you understand when and how to use each form correctly.
Educational Schema: Course: Italian for English Speakers Lesson: 13 - That (che/quello) Level: Beginner to Intermediate Type: Language Learning Material Focus: Grammar, Vocabulary, Cultural Context Method: Interlinear glossing, progressive complexity
Key Takeaways: -
"Che" is invariable and used for relative pronouns and conjunctions -
"Quello" changes form based on gender and number (quello, quella, quelli, quelle) -
Context determines which Italian word to use for "that" -
Italian demonstratives can be more complex than English due to gender/number agreement -
Shortened forms (quel, quell', quella, quei, quegli, quelle) exist before nouns
13.1 Il the libro book che that ho I-have letto read era was interessante interesting
13.2 Quella that casa house è is molto very bella beautiful
13.3 Penso I-think che that Maria Maria venga comes domani tomorrow
13.4 Quel that ragazzo boy studia studies italiano Italian
13.5 So I-know che that hai you-have ragione reason
13.6 Quegli those alberi trees sono are antichi ancient
13.7 La the donna woman che that canta sings è is mia my sorella sister
13.8 Quello that-one è is il the mio my amico friend
13.9 Credo I-believe che that piova it-rains stasera tonight
13.10 Quelle those scarpe shoes costano cost troppo too-much
13.11 Il the film movie che that abbiamo we-have visto seen era was noioso boring
13.12 Dice he-says che that non not può he-can venire come
13.13 Quell' that idea idea mi to-me piace pleases
13.14 Spero I-hope che that tu you stia are bene well
13.15 Il the ristorante restaurant che that preferisco I-prefer è is quello that-one
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
13.1 Il libro che ho letto era interessante. The book that I read was interesting.
13.2 Quella casa è molto bella. That house is very beautiful.
13.3 Penso che Maria venga domani. I think that Maria is coming tomorrow.
13.4 Quel ragazzo studia italiano. That boy studies Italian.
13.5 So che hai ragione. I know that you are right.
13.6 Quegli alberi sono antichi. Those trees are ancient.
13.7 La donna che canta è mia sorella. The woman who sings is my sister.
13.8 Quello è il mio amico. That is my friend.
13.9 Credo che piova stasera. I believe that it will rain tonight.
13.10 Quelle scarpe costano troppo. Those shoes cost too much.
13.11 Il film che abbiamo visto era noioso. The movie that we saw was boring.
13.12 Dice che non può venire. He says that he cannot come.
13.13 Quell'idea mi piace. I like that idea.
13.14 Spero che tu stia bene. I hope that you are well.
13.15 Il ristorante che preferisco è quello. The restaurant that I prefer is that one.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
13.1 Il libro che ho letto era interessante.
13.2 Quella casa è molto bella.
13.3 Penso che Maria venga domani.
13.4 Quel ragazzo studia italiano.
13.5 So che hai ragione.
13.6 Quegli alberi sono antichi.
13.7 La donna che canta è mia sorella.
13.8 Quello è il mio amico.
13.9 Credo che piova stasera.
13.10 Quelle scarpe costano troppo.
13.11 Il film che abbiamo visto era noioso.
13.12 Dice che non può venire.
13.13 Quell'idea mi piace.
13.14 Spero che tu stia bene.
13.15 Il ristorante che preferisco è quello.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The Italian translation of "that" depends entirely on its grammatical function in the sentence. Here are the key rules:
1. CHE - The Invariable Form
"Che" is used in two primary ways: -
As a relative pronoun (connecting clauses): "il libro che leggo" (the book that I read) -
As a conjunction (introducing dependent clauses): "so che hai ragione" (I know that you are right)
"Che" never changes form regardless of gender or number. It remains "che" for masculine, feminine, singular, and plural.
2. QUELLO - The Variable Demonstrative
"Quello" functions as a demonstrative adjective or pronoun and must agree with the noun in gender and number:
Singular forms: -
Masculine: quello (before s+consonant, z, ps, gn, x, y) -
Masculine: quel (before consonants) -
Masculine: quell' (before vowels) -
Feminine: quella (before consonants) -
Feminine: quell' (before vowels)
Plural forms: -
Masculine: quegli (before vowels, s+consonant, z, ps, gn, x, y) -
Masculine: quei (before other consonants) -
Feminine: quelle (all cases)
Common Mistakes: -
Using "che" when "quello" is needed: -
Wrong: "Che libro è interessante" -
Correct: "Quel libro è interessante" (That book is interesting) -
Forgetting gender/number agreement with quello: -
Wrong: "Quello case sono belle" -
Correct: "Quelle case sono belle" (Those houses are beautiful) -
Using "quello" instead of "che" for conjunctions: -
Wrong: "Penso quello viene" -
Correct: "Penso che viene" (I think that he comes) -
Confusion with shortened forms before nouns: -
Wrong: "Quello ragazzo" -
Correct: "Quel ragazzo" (That boy)
Step-by-Step Guide: -
First, identify the function of "that" in your English sentence -
If it's connecting two clauses or introducing what someone thinks/says/knows, use "che" -
If it's pointing to something specific, use a form of "quello" -
If using quello, check the gender and number of the noun -
Apply the appropriate form based on what letter follows
Comparison with English:
Unlike English, which uses one word "that" for multiple functions, Italian distinguishes between: -
Relative/conjunction uses (che) - invariable like English -
Demonstrative uses (quello) - variable unlike English, requiring agreement
English speakers must remember that Italian demonstratives behave more like adjectives, changing form based on the noun they modify.
Grammatical Summary:
Che (invariable): -
Relative pronoun: connects clauses -
Conjunction: introduces dependent clauses -
No gender/number changes
Quello (variable): Forms: quello, quel, quell', quella, quell', quegli, quei, quelle -
Demonstrative adjective: modifies nouns -
Demonstrative pronoun: stands alone -
Must agree in gender and number
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The distinction between "che" and "quello" in Italian reflects the language's Latin heritage, where similar distinctions existed. This grammatical precision is characteristic of Romance languages and contributes to the expressiveness of Italian.
In Italian culture, the use of demonstratives can carry subtle social implications. Using "quello/quella" to refer to people can sometimes sound dismissive or impolite, especially in formal contexts. Italians might prefer to use the person's name or title rather than saying "quella persona" (that person).
The subjunctive mood, often triggered by "che" in expressions of doubt, hope, or emotion (as in "Spero che tu stia bene"), is still actively used in Italian, unlike in some other Romance languages where it's declining. This reflects Italian speakers' appreciation for grammatical nuance and formal expression.
Regional variations exist in the pronunciation and usage of these forms. In some southern dialects, you might hear different demonstrative forms entirely, though standard Italian "che" and "quello" are understood everywhere.
The expression "quello che" (that which/what) is extremely common in Italian and often confuses English speakers who expect a single word. This doubling shows Italian's tendency toward explicit grammatical marking, a feature that makes the language particularly clear and precise in written form.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
From Italo Calvino's "Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno" (The Path to the Nest of Spiders), 1947:
"Pin pensa che deve esser bello avere un amico vero, un amico a cui si possa dire tutto, anche quello che non si è mai detto a nessuno."
Pin Pin pensa thinks che that deve it-must esser be bello beautiful avere to-have un a amico friend vero true, un a amico friend a to cui whom si one possa can dire say tutto everything, anche even quello that che which non not si one è has mai ever detto said a to nessuno no-one.
"Pin pensa che deve esser bello avere un amico vero, un amico a cui si possa dire tutto, anche quello che non si è mai detto a nessuno."
Pin thinks that it must be beautiful to have a true friend, a friend to whom one can say everything, even that which one has never said to anyone.
Pin pensa che deve esser bello avere un amico vero, un amico a cui si possa dire tutto, anche quello che non si è mai detto a nessuno.
This passage beautifully demonstrates both uses of our target word: -
"che" appears twice as a conjunction ("pensa che" - thinks that) and as part of "quello che" (that which) -
"quello che" functions as a compound relative pronoun meaning "what" or "that which" -
The subjunctive "possa" (can) follows the impersonal expression with "che" -
Note how "quello che" creates a more emphatic expression than simply using "che" alone
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
13.16 Ricordo I-remember che that quella that mattina morning il the sole sun splendeva was-shining su on Venezia Venice
13.17 Il the gondoliere gondolier che that ci us ha has portato carried sapeva knew tutte all le the storie stories
13.18 Quel that ponte bridge antico ancient attraversa crosses il the Canal Canal Grande Grande
13.19 Ho I-have scoperto discovered che that i the veneziani Venetians vivono live diversamente differently
13.20 Quella that piazza square era was piena full di of turisti tourists e and piccioni pigeons
13.21 L' the hotel hotel che that avevamo we-had prenotato booked si itself affacciava overlooked sulla on-the laguna lagoon
13.22 Credo I-believe che that quella that sia is stata been la the vacanza vacation più most bella beautiful
13.23 Il the cameriere waiter disse said che that quel that piatto dish era was una a specialità specialty locale local
13.24 Quegli those edifici buildings storici historical raccontano tell secoli centuries di of storia history
13.25 Sapevo I-knew che that quella that città city mi me avrebbe would-have conquistato conquered
13.26 Il the museo museum che that visitammo we-visited conteneva contained opere works d' of arte art incredibili incredible
13.27 Quell' that esperienza experience cambiò changed il the mio my modo way di of viaggiare traveling
13.28 Pensammo we-thought che that sarebbe would-be stato been meglio better restare to-stay un one giorno day in in più more
13.29 La the guida guide che that ci us accompagnava accompanied parlava spoke perfettamente perfectly inglese English
13.30 Quello that fu was il the viaggio journey che that non not dimenticherò I-will-forget mai ever
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
13.16 Ricordo che quella mattina il sole splendeva su Venezia. I remember that that morning the sun was shining on Venice.
13.17 Il gondoliere che ci ha portato sapeva tutte le storie. The gondolier who took us knew all the stories.
13.18 Quel ponte antico attraversa il Canal Grande. That ancient bridge crosses the Grand Canal.
13.19 Ho scoperto che i veneziani vivono diversamente. I discovered that Venetians live differently.
13.20 Quella piazza era piena di turisti e piccioni. That square was full of tourists and pigeons.
13.21 L'hotel che avevamo prenotato si affacciava sulla laguna. The hotel that we had booked overlooked the lagoon.
13.22 Credo che quella sia stata la vacanza più bella. I believe that that was the most beautiful vacation.
13.23 Il cameriere disse che quel piatto era una specialità locale. The waiter said that that dish was a local specialty.
13.24 Quegli edifici storici raccontano secoli di storia. Those historical buildings tell centuries of history.
13.25 Sapevo che quella città mi avrebbe conquistato. I knew that that city would conquer me.
13.26 Il museo che visitammo conteneva opere d'arte incredibili. The museum that we visited contained incredible works of art.
13.27 Quell'esperienza cambiò il mio modo di viaggiare. That experience changed my way of traveling.
13.28 Pensammo che sarebbe stato meglio restare un giorno in più. We thought that it would be better to stay one more day.
13.29 La guida che ci accompagnava parlava perfettamente inglese. The guide who accompanied us spoke perfect English.
13.30 Quello fu il viaggio che non dimenticherò mai. That was the journey that I will never forget.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
13.16 Ricordo che quella mattina il sole splendeva su Venezia.
13.17 Il gondoliere che ci ha portato sapeva tutte le storie.
13.18 Quel ponte antico attraversa il Canal Grande.
13.19 Ho scoperto che i veneziani vivono diversamente.
13.20 Quella piazza era piena di turisti e piccioni.
13.21 L'hotel che avevamo prenotato si affacciava sulla laguna.
13.22 Credo che quella sia stata la vacanza più bella.
13.23 Il cameriere disse che quel piatto era una specialità locale.
13.24 Quegli edifici storici raccontano secoli di storia.
13.25 Sapevo che quella città mi avrebbe conquistato.
13.26 Il museo che visitammo conteneva opere d'arte incredibili.
13.27 Quell'esperienza cambiò il mio modo di viaggiare.
13.28 Pensammo che sarebbe stato meglio restare un giorno in più.
13.29 La guida che ci accompagnava parlava perfettamente inglese.
13.30 Quello fu il viaggio che non dimenticherò mai.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
Narrative Uses of "Che":
In travel narratives, "che" frequently appears in: -
Memory expressions: "Ricordo che..." (I remember that...) -
Discovery statements: "Ho scoperto che..." (I discovered that...) -
Opinion sharing: "Credo che..." (I believe that...)
These constructions often trigger the subjunctive mood when expressing uncertainty or emotion about travel experiences.
Demonstrative Precision with "Quello":
Travel writing uses demonstratives to: -
Point out specific locations: "quel ponte" (that bridge) -
Reference memorable moments: "quella mattina" (that morning) -
Emphasize particular experiences: "quell'esperienza" (that experience)
Common Travel Narrative Patterns: -
Relative clauses describing places: -
"L'hotel che avevamo prenotato" (The hotel that we had booked) -
"Il museo che visitammo" (The museum that we visited) -
Reported speech about local information: -
"Il cameriere disse che..." (The waiter said that...) -
"La guida spiegò che..." (The guide explained that...) -
Emotional responses requiring subjunctive: -
"Credo che quella sia stata..." (I believe that that was...) -
Uses subjunctive "sia" after "che" due to expression of belief
Time References in Travel Narratives:
"Quello/quella" often combines with time expressions: -
"quella mattina" (that morning) -
"quel giorno" (that day) -
Creates narrative distance and nostalgia
The Double "That" Challenge:
English speakers often struggle with sentences containing both uses: -
"Credo che quella sia..." (I believe that that is...) -
First "che" = conjunction, second "quella" = demonstrative -
Both are necessary in Italian where English might drop one
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
The Latinum Institute has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering methods that combine traditional philological approaches with modern pedagogical insights. These lessons represent a unique approach to language learning designed specifically for autodidacts—independent learners who prefer to guide their own educational journey.
Our method, detailed at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, employs interlinear translation (word-for-word glossing) as a primary teaching tool. This approach allows learners to see the immediate correspondence between source and target languages, building vocabulary and grammatical understanding simultaneously. The construed text method used in Section A breaks down complex sentences into their smallest meaningful units, making even sophisticated literary texts accessible to beginners.
Each lesson follows a carefully structured progression: -
Interlinear texts provide immediate comprehension -
Complete sentences reinforce natural language patterns -
Grammar explanations clarify systematic differences between languages -
Cultural notes provide essential context for appropriate usage -
Literary citations expose learners to authentic texts -
Genre sections offer extended practice in specific contexts
This systematic approach has proven particularly effective for self-directed learners who appreciate clear structure and comprehensive explanations. The lessons are designed to be complete and self-contained, allowing learners to progress at their own pace without requiring additional resources.
The Latinum Institute's commitment to quality and comprehensive language education is reflected in our reviews and testimonials. For independent verification of our teaching methods and student satisfaction, visit: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
Our courses cover classical languages (Latin, Ancient Greek), biblical languages (Hebrew, Aramaic), and modern languages, all using the same proven methodology. This consistency allows learners to transfer skills between languages, making polyglot learning more accessible than ever before.
These lessons are particularly suited for: -
Adult learners who prefer structured self-study -
Students preparing for language examinations -
Professionals needing language skills for specific purposes -
Anyone interested in reading literature in the original language -
Polyglots seeking an efficient method for adding new languages
The interlinear method eliminates the frustration of constantly consulting dictionaries, while the progressive structure ensures solid foundation building. By combining the rigor of traditional grammar-translation methods with insights from modern language acquisition research, these lessons offer a uniquely effective path to language mastery.
✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾ ✾ ❦ ✾ ❦ ✾
---