Content Clauses with Che

In brief

Use che to introduce a complete idea after verbs such as dire (to say) and sapere (to know). It often corresponds to English “that”: So che lavori qui means “I know that you work here.” English can usually leave out “that,” but Italian keeps che in this construction.

Form

Main clause + che + clause with its own conjugated verb: Marco dice che il negozio è aperto.

Usage

• Report what someone says: Giulia dice che torna presto.
• State what you know or have learned: So che il museo è chiuso.
• The subject after che can be different from the subject of the main clause. With statements of fact like these, the following verb is in the indicative; other main verbs may require a different mood.

Examples

• So che lavori qui. — I know you work here.
• Giulia dice che torna presto. — Giulia says she’ll be back soon.
• Abbiamo saputo che il treno è in ritardo. — We found out that the train is late.

Common mistake

❌ So lavori qui.

✅ So che lavori qui.

English can omit “that” after “I know,” but Italian needs che before this complete clause.

Remember

After verbs like dire and sapere, keep che even when English drops “that.”