si dice che
Lemma: si dice che
Translation: it is said that; they say that; rumor has it that; it is rumored that (phrase)
Etymology: This Italian phrase combines the reflexive pronoun 'si' (which creates an impersonal construction), the third-person singular of the verb 'dire' (to say), and the conjunction 'che' (that). The construction creates an impersonal statement about what is generally reported or believed without specifying who is doing the saying.
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'dice' as in 'to say' and imagine rolling dice while spreading rumors
- Remember 'si dice' sounds a bit like 'they say' in English, which has the same meaning
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Italian conversation and media to introduce information that is based on hearsay or general knowledge without citing specific sources. It's particularly common in gossip, news reporting, and casual conversation when sharing information that isn't firsthand.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Si dice che' is impersonal (no specific subject), while 'dice che' has a specific subject (he/she says that).
Notes: The impersonal construction with 'si' is very common in Italian and removes the need to specify who is doing the action.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'si' makes it about what 'people in general' say, without the 'si' it needs a specific person doing the saying.
Explanation: 'Si dice che' introduces a subordinate clause, while 'si dice' alone is used when no clause follows.
Confused word:
Si dice così in italiano.
That's how it's said in Italian.
Notes: 'Si dice' without 'che' is often used to talk about how something is expressed in Italian.
Mnemonic: If there's a complete thought following, you need 'che' to connect it.