Chi c'é c'é, chi non c'é non c'é.
Whoever's here is here, whoever's not is not.
Language note: Repetition for emphasis is common in Italian expressions.
Culture note: Reflects a go-with-the-flow attitude common in Italian lifestyle.
Context: Guido sees some participants are late and some are absent, but decides to proceed.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Chi
[kee]
who
This is the interrogative pronoun used to refer to a person or persons.
Chi c'é alla porta?
Who is at the door?
c'
[chee]
there is
This is a contraction of 'ci è', meaning 'there is'.
C'era una volta...
Once upon a time...
é
[eh]
is
This is the third person singular present of 'essere', meaning 'is'.
Il gatto é sul tavolo.
The cat is on the table.
c'
[chee]
there is
This is a contraction of 'ci è', meaning 'there is'.
C'era una volta...
Once upon a time...
é
[eh]
is
This is the third person singular present of 'essere', meaning 'is'.
Il gatto é sul tavolo.
The cat is on the table.
chi
[kee]
who
This is the interrogative pronoun used to refer to a person or persons.
Chi non c'é avrà un'altra occasione.
Who is not there will have another chance.
non
[nohn]
not
This word negates the verb that follows it.
Non c'é nessuno.
There is no one.
c'
[chee]
there is
This is a contraction of 'ci è', meaning 'there is'.
C'era una volta...
Once upon a time...
é
[eh]
is
This is the third person singular present of 'essere', meaning 'is'.
Il gatto é sul tavolo.
The cat is on the table.
non
[nohn]
not
This word negates the verb that follows it.
Non c'é nessuno.
There is no one.
c'
[chee]
there is
This is a contraction of 'ci è', meaning 'there is'.
C'era una volta...
Once upon a time...
é
[eh]
is
This is the third person singular present of 'essere', meaning 'is'.
Il gatto é sul tavolo.
The cat is on the table.
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