Have you ever heard the verb “entrarci”? It’s a pronominal verb (basically a verb + pronoun combo), and it means “to have to do with.”

Typically, you won’t hear it as the full form.

In the present tense (il presente indicativo), you’ll hear:

— C’entra (singular)

— C’entrano (plural)

Unfamiliar with singular and plural in Italian grammar? Click here.

I know that sounds abstract, so here are some examples to help it make sense.

Esempi

A: Voglio prendere il treno domani, ma potrebbe piovere. – I want to take the train tomorrow, but it might rain.

B: Ma scusa, che c’entra la pioggia?! – Um, sorry, but what does the rain have to do with it?

A: Ho sentito dire che il problema l’ha causato Emilio. – I heard that Emilio caused the problem.

B: Hai torto, non c’entra nulla Emilio. – You’re wrong, it doesn’t have anything to do with Emilio.

Other common phrases are:

— Che c’entra questo? – What does this have to do with anything?

— La fortuna non c’entra. – Luck has nothing to do with it.

— C’entra poco. – It has little do with it.

— C’entra molto. – It has a lot to do with it.

Have questions? Leave a comment below. 🙂