How many hours have you spent studying the congiuntivo? A lot, right? And then, when you find yourself in front of a real Italian, what happens? You freeze, you think “wait… was it venga or viene?”, and in the end you say everything in the indicativo. What if I told you there are expressions with the congiuntivo already inside, that you can use starting today, exactly as they are and without any risk of making a mistake?
Use the Subjunctive Naturally in Conversation
Normally the congiuntivo is used after something: after “penso che” [I think that], after “sebbene” [although], after “è possibile che” [it’s possible that]. But in these expressions the congiuntivo just sits there alone, with no one introducing it. Why?
Because they’re what linguists call crystallized expressions (or fixed formulas): they’re small linguistic fossils, remains of an ancient use of the congiuntivo (the one that expressed desire, wish or concession) that has been preserved only in these phrases. It’s the same reason we still say “Dio ce ne scampi!” [God save us!], “Sia lodato il cielo!” [Heaven be praised!] or “Che tu sia benedetto” [May you be blessed].
The good news? Being fossils, they don’t move. They don’t change. You learn them once, exactly as they are, and they’re yours forever. At most, for a couple of expressions, you’ll have to adapt the person (and I’ll show you case by case). No conjugation table to review. If you want to review the basics of the Italian congiuntivo, you can consult the dedicated guide.
Block 1: When You Imagine and Give Advice
The first block gathers two very useful expressions to express personal hypotheses and give advice in a gentle way. Both take advantage of the congiuntivo imperfetto paired with the condizionale.
1. Fosse per Me
Meaning: if it depended on me, but unfortunately it doesn’t depend on me. It serves to express what you’d like, knowing that the decision is in someone else’s hands or that reality is going in another direction. There’s almost always a note of resignation.
- “Fosse per me, si mangerebbe la pizza ogni sera” [If it were up to me, we’d eat pizza every night]
- “Fosse per me, partiremmo domani mattina, ma devo aspettare le ferie di mio marito” [If it were up to me, we’d leave tomorrow morning, but I have to wait for my husband’s vacation]
- “Fosse per me, quella riunione non si farebbe nemmeno” [If it were up to me, that meeting wouldn’t even take place]
It can also be used with other subjects: fosse per lui, fosse per loro. For example: “Fosse per lui, resterebbe a letto fino a mezzogiorno” [If it were up to him, he’d stay in bed until noon].
Grammar Note on the Periodo Ipotetico
The main clause always requires the condizionale (si mangerebbe, partiremmo, resterebbe). Congiuntivo imperfetto + condizionale: it’s the pair of the periodo ipotetico, here in a reduced version, because the initial “se” [if] has dropped. To dig deeper, take a look at the guide on the Italian periodo ipotetico.
2. Fossi in Te
Meaning: if I were in your place. It serves to give advice in a gentle way, without sounding authoritative. Same mechanism as the previous expression: the “se” [if] disappears, the congiuntivo imperfetto remains, and the main clause goes into the condizionale.
- “Fossi in te, non risponderei a quel messaggio” [If I were you, I wouldn’t reply to that message]
- “Fossi in voi, prenoterei subito: quel ristorante si riempie in un attimo” [If I were you (pl.), I’d book right away: that restaurant fills up in no time]
- “Fossi in te, ci penserei due volte prima di comprare quella macchina” [If I were you, I’d think twice before buying that car]
Equivalent variants: “se fossi in te”, “fossi al posto tuo” and also the simple “al posto tuo”: this last one is the only one without the congiuntivo, but the meaning is identical.
Why You Really Need It
In Italian, giving advice with the imperativo (“Non rispondere!” [Don’t reply!], “Prenota subito!” [Book right away!]) can sound abrupt. “Fossi in te” softens everything and makes you sound immediately more polite and more natural.
Block 2: When You Give Information
The second block gathers two useful expressions to introduce information: the first when you’re not 100% sure, the second when you’re about to tell something surprising.
3. Che Io Sappia
Meaning: as far as I know, based on the information I have. It’s used when you give information you’re not 100% sure about.
- “Sai quanto costa il biglietto?” → “Che io sappia, sette euro, ma i prezzi cambiano spesso” [“Do you know how much the ticket costs?” → “As far as I know, seven euros, but prices change often”]
- “Che io sappia, il museo è gratis la prima domenica del mese” [As far as I know, the museum is free the first Sunday of the month]
It can be declined with the other persons: che tu sappia, che lui/lei sappia, che voi sappiate, and in the version about memory: che io ricordi. You can also use it in questions: “Che voi sappiate, la biblioteca è aperta il sabato?” [As far as you (pl.) know, is the library open on Saturdays?].
Two Very Useful Variants
- Non che io sappia → the negative answer: “È già arrivato Marco?” “Non che io sappia“ [“Has Marco arrived yet?” “Not that I know of”]
- Che mi risulti → same function, but more formal register: typical of offices, emails and work communications. “Che mi risulti, la pratica è già stata inviata” [As far as I’m aware, the file has already been sent]
Mistake to avoid: you don’t say “che io so”. The congiuntivo here is mandatory.
4. Che Tu ci Creda o No
Meaning: as incredible as it may seem to you. It’s used to introduce surprising information, preparing the listener for something they’ll struggle to believe. It’s really useful when you tell an anecdote.
- “Che tu ci creda o no, ho superato l’esame con il massimo dei voti” [Believe it or not, I passed the exam with the highest grade]
- “Che ci crediate o no, ho imparato l’italiano guardando video su internet” [Believe it or not (pl.), I learned Italian by watching videos online]
- “Che tu ci creda o no, non ho mai visto il mare” [Believe it or not, I’ve never seen the sea]
It can be declined with all subjects: che ci crediate o no, che ci creda o no, che ci credano o no.
The Productive Mechanism Behind the Expression
This expression follows the pattern “che + congiuntivo + o no”, which in Italian is productive, meaning you can reuse it to build other phrases:
- Che vogliate o no [Whether you (pl.) want to or not]
- Che sia vero o no [Whether it’s true or not]
- Che vi piaccia o no [Whether you (pl.) like it or not]
In all these cases the meaning is concessive: “regardless of…”.
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Block 3: When You Face the Uncertain
The third block is dedicated to three expressions used when you have to face something uncertain, difficult or risky: from hope to determination, to practical optimism.
5. Che Dio Ce la Mandi Buona
Meaning: let’s hope it goes well. It’s said before facing something uncertain, difficult or risky.
- “Domani ho l’esame per la patente: che Dio ce la mandi buona“ [Tomorrow I have the driving test: let’s hope it goes well]
- “Partiamo con questo tempaccio… che Dio ce la mandi buona“ [We’re leaving in this terrible weather… let’s hope it goes well]
- “Hanno affidato il progetto a lui. Che Dio ce la mandi buona“ [They’ve entrusted the project to him. Let’s hope it goes well]
More neutral synonyms: speriamo bene [let’s hope for the best], incrociamo le dita [let’s cross our fingers].
Careful Not to Confuse It with “In Bocca al Lupo”
“In bocca al lupo” [literally “in the wolf’s mouth”, equivalent to “break a leg”] is said to another person, as a wish; “che Dio ce la mandi buona” you say it including yourself in the situation. If you want to dig deeper, you can read the article on in bocca al lupo and other wishing expressions in Italian.
Double Linguistic Curiosity
Despite the religious reference, today it’s a completely idiomatic expression: non-believers use it too, exactly like “per l’amor del cielo” [for heaven’s sake] or “grazie a Dio” [thank God]. It’s a sign of how crystallized it is.
That “la” is a pronoun that doesn’t refer to anything specific: it implies something like “luck” or “the day”. It’s the same phenomenon as smettila [stop it], farla finita [to put an end to it], prendersela [to take offense]: fossilized pronouns that have lost their original meaning.
6. Succeda Quel che Succeda
Meaning: whatever happens, I’m ready to accept the consequences. It expresses determination and acceptance together: I’ve decided, and I’ll face whatever comes.
- “Domani le dico la verità, succeda quel che succeda“ [Tomorrow I’ll tell her the truth, come what may]
- “Ho firmato il contratto: succeda quel che succeda, ormai è fatta” [I’ve signed the contract: come what may, it’s done now]
A Productive Pattern You Can Reuse
This formula follows a productive pattern: verb in congiuntivo + quel che (or come) + the same verb repeated, always in congiuntivo. Once you understand it, you can build them yourself:
- Accada quel che accada [Whatever happens]
- Vada come vada [However it goes] → whatever the outcome
- Sia quel che sia [Be that as it may] → whatever it is, in any case
- Costi quel che costi [Whatever the cost] → at any price
They’re ancient structures that still work great in Italian. In the same area of meaning, but with a different construction (careful: here the second verb doesn’t repeat and isn’t in the congiuntivo), there’s also “dicano quel che vogliono“ [let them say what they want] → I don’t care about the criticism.
7. Mal che Vada
Meaning: in the worst case, in the worst-case scenario. It’s an optimistic expression: it serves to say “let’s try, because even if it goes wrong, the consequences aren’t serious”.
- “Provo a chiedere un aumento: mal che vada, mi diranno di no e resterà tutto com’è adesso” [I’ll try asking for a raise: at worst, they’ll say no and everything will stay as it is now]
- “Partiamo anche se il tempo è incerto: mal che vada, ci facciamo una passeggiata sotto la pioggia” [Let’s leave even if the weather is uncertain: at worst, we’ll take a walk in the rain]
- “Al mercato chiedi sempre uno sconto! Mal che vada, ti rispondono che il prezzo è quello” [At the market always ask for a discount! At worst, they’ll answer that the price is that]
Double Curiosity: Troncamento and the Opposite
Mal is the troncamento of male: in fact the form “male che vada” also exists. Both are correct and widely used, so choose the one that comes more naturally to you.
The opposite also exists: “bene che vada” [at best] → in the best case. For example: “Bene che vada, arriveremo per cena” [At best, we’ll arrive by dinner time]. Watch out for the reversal: here the tone is pessimistic, because you’re saying that even in the best scenario the situation isn’t great. “Mal che vada” reassures, “bene che vada” dampens enthusiasm.
Block 4: When You React, Complain and Share Secrets
The last block gathers three expressions that help you react to a situation, add complaints or ask for confidentiality. They’re among the most used in daily speech.
8. Come se Non Bastasse
Meaning: on top of that, in addition to this, as if the rest weren’t enough. It’s used to add a further element (almost always negative) to a list of already-started problems.
- “Ho perso il treno, ho dimenticato l’ombrello a casa e, come se non bastasse, mi si è scaricato il telefono” [I missed the train, I forgot the umbrella at home and, as if that weren’t enough, my phone died]
- “L’ascensore è rotto da un mese e, come se non bastasse, hanno pure aumentato le spese condominiali” [The elevator has been broken for a month and, as if that weren’t enough, they’ve also raised the condo fees]
Important Grammar Note
This expression is a great reminder that after “come se” [as if] you ALWAYS use the congiuntivo imperfetto or trapassato. Never the present!
- “Parla come se fosse un esperto” [He talks as if he were an expert] → correct
- “Come se è” → WRONG
- “Mi guardava come se avesse visto un fantasma” [He was looking at me as if he had seen a ghost] → correct
9. Che Rimanga tra Noi
Meaning: don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret between you and me. It’s used to ask for confidentiality about a confidence or information.
- “Che rimanga tra noi: alla festa di Luca ho rotto un bicchiere e l’ho nascosto in borsa” [Let this stay between us: at Luca’s party I broke a glass and hid it in my bag]
- “Che rimanga tra noi, ma la torta di Marta era decisamente troppo dolce” [Let this stay between us, but Marta’s cake was definitely too sweet]
Since restare and rimanere are synonyms, the form “che resti tra noi“ also exists. Identical, choose the one you prefer.
Useful synonyms: “acqua in bocca!” [literally “water in the mouth!”, meaning “mum’s the word!”], “non dirlo a nessuno” [don’t tell anyone], “sia detto tra noi” [let it be said between us].
10. Non Sia Mai (Che)
This expression has two completely different uses, and that’s why we’re saving it for last.
Use 1: Superstitious and Sincere
We really hope it doesn’t happen. It’s used to push away a negative idea.
- “Se dovesse succederti qualcosa (non sia mai) chiama subito” [If something were to happen to you (God forbid) call right away]
- “Non sia mai che si faccia male!” [God forbid he gets hurt!]
Use 2: Ironic (the Most Frequent)
It’s by far the most frequent one. It serves to complain about something that never happens, pretending it would be an unthinkable event.
- “Non sia mai che qualcuno sparecchi la tavola una volta ogni tanto!” [Heaven forbid someone should clear the table once in a while!]
- “Non sia mai che rispondano a un’email entro una settimana!” [Heaven forbid they should reply to an email within a week!]
How do you know which of the two? By the tone of voice and the context. If the sentence describes something banal and reasonable (clearing the table, replying to a message), the use is ironic. If it describes a real misfortune, it’s superstition.
Register note: it’s a colloquial expression, particularly alive in central-southern Italy. Suitable among friends and family; in a work email, better avoid it.
First Notice: Expressions that Require the Congiuntivo, but Don’t Contain It
This distinction is important, because it’s easy to get confused. Today’s expressions have the congiuntivo already inside. There are others, equally useful, that are just conjunctions: they introduce a clause and you have to conjugate the verb in the congiuntivo yourself.
- Magari (+ congiuntivo, for a wish) → “Magari avessi più tempo!” [If only I had more time!]
- Sempre che (= provided that) → “Ci vediamo domani, sempre che tu sia libero” [See you tomorrow, provided you’re free]
- A patto che / purché → “Ti presto la macchina, purché tu faccia il pieno” [I’ll lend you the car, as long as you fill the tank]
- Ammesso e non concesso che (= supposing, but not really conceding) → “Ammesso e non concesso che tu abbia ragione, il tono era sbagliato” [Even granting that you’re right, the tone was wrong]
- Chissà che non (with an optimistic value) → “Chissà che non ci riesca al primo tentativo!” [Who knows, maybe I’ll succeed on the first try!]
They’re beautiful expressions, but they require knowing how to conjugate the verb: they’re one step more challenging than today’s. For a deeper dive on the Italian subordinating conjunctions, take a look at the dedicated guide.
Second Notice: Three Expressions that Look Like Congiuntivo but Aren’t
Many people fall into the trap, so make a note of these:
- “Che sarà mai!“ [What could it possibly be!] (= it’s nothing, it’s not important) → it’s a future, not a congiuntivo
- “Chi vivrà vedrà“ [Whoever lives will see] (= time will tell) → also future
- “Che ne so“ [How should I know] (= I have no idea) → present indicative. Careful: “che io sappia” is congiuntivo, “che ne so” isn’t
Bonus: Three Extra Expressions with the Congiuntivo
Three bonus expressions to add to the list, all with the congiuntivo already inside. They’re less frequent but typical of higher-level Italian.
Bonus 1. Volesse il Cielo (Che…)
Meaning: if only, would that it were possible. Elegant and literary register.
- “Volesse il cielo che fosse tutto così semplice!” [Would that heaven willed everything were so simple!]
Bonus 2. Sia Pure
Meaning: even if, however. Medium-high register, excellent in written texts.
- “Ha accettato la proposta, sia pure controvoglia” [He accepted the proposal, even if reluctantly]
Bonus 3. Si Salvi Chi Può
Meaning: expression of general escape, today used almost always in a figurative sense, in front of an out-of-control situation.
- “Quando è arrivata la notizia dei tagli, in ufficio è stato un si salvi chi può“ [When the news of the cuts arrived, at the office it was every man for himself]
Summary Table of the 10 Expressions
A summary of the 10 expressions divided by block, with the meaning and the situation of use, perfect for quick reference:
| Block | Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Imagine | Fosse per me | If it depended on me |
| Imagine | Fossi in te | If I were in your place |
| Inform | Che io sappia | As far as I know |
| Inform | Che tu ci creda o no | Believe it or not |
| Face | Che Dio ce la mandi buona | Let’s hope it goes well |
| Face | Succeda quel che succeda | Come what may |
| Face | Mal che vada | In the worst case |
| React | Come se non bastasse | As if that weren’t enough |
| React | Che rimanga tra noi | Don’t tell anyone |
| React | Non sia mai (che) | Superstition or irony |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do These Expressions Contain the Congiuntivo Without a Verb Introducing It?
Because they’re crystallized expressions (or fixed formulas), real linguistic fossils. They preserve an ancient use of the congiuntivo, the one that expressed desire, wish or concession, which has been preserved only in these phrases. They don’t require either an introducing verb or a conjunction: they’re used as they are, without having to conjugate anything. It’s the same reason why expressions like “Dio ce ne scampi” [God save us] or “Sia lodato il cielo” [Heaven be praised] exist.
What’s the Difference Between “Fosse per Me” and “Fossi in Te”?
They’re two expressions similar in structure but different in meaning. “Fosse per me” serves to express what you would like, but the decision doesn’t depend on you (for example: “Fosse per me, si mangerebbe la pizza ogni sera” [If it were up to me, we’d eat pizza every night]). “Fossi in te”, on the other hand, serves to give advice to the other person in a gentle way (for example: “Fossi in te, non risponderei a quel messaggio” [If I were you, I wouldn’t reply to that message]). Both follow the structure of the periodo ipotetico: congiuntivo imperfetto in the subordinate clause + condizionale in the main clause.
Are “Che Io Sappia” and “Che Ne So” the Same Thing?
No, they’re completely different expressions. “Che io sappia” contains the congiuntivo presente of the verb sapere [to know] and serves to introduce information you’re not 100% sure about. “Che ne so”, on the other hand, is in the present indicative (I know) and means “I have no idea”, “how should I know”. The form “che io so” doesn’t exist: it’s a mistake. If you want to say “as far as I know”, you must use the congiuntivo: “che io sappia”.
Can I Say “Come se È” Instead of “Come se Fosse”?
Absolutely not. After “come se” [as if] you ALWAYS use the congiuntivo imperfetto or the congiuntivo trapassato, never the present or the imperfetto of the indicative. For example: “Parla come se fosse un esperto” [He talks as if he were an expert] (correct), not “come se è un esperto”. “Mi guardava come se avesse visto un fantasma” [He was looking at me as if he had seen a ghost] (correct), not “come se aveva visto”. It’s one of the strictest rules of Italian grammar and it always applies, without exceptions.
How Do I Know if “Non Sia Mai” is Ironic or Superstitious?
The distinction becomes clear from the tone of voice and the context of the sentence. If the sentence describes a real misfortune or a truly serious event (like an illness, an accident, a loss), the use is superstitious: you’re actually hoping it doesn’t happen. For example: “Non sia mai che si faccia male!” [God forbid he gets hurt!]. If instead the sentence describes something banal and reasonable (like clearing the table, replying to an email, turning down the music), the use is ironic: you’re complaining that no one ever does that thing. For example: “Non sia mai che qualcuno abbassi la musica dopo mezzanotte!” [Heaven forbid someone should turn down the music after midnight!]. In daily speech the ironic use is by far the most frequent.
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