cioè
that is, I mean, like
Intermediate Adverb
🔊
Pronunciation
/tʃo.ˈɛ/
💡
Cultural Note
Formally means 'that is to say' but in colloquial Italian it's the ultimate filler word, equivalent to the English 'like' or 'I mean.' Young Italians pepper their speech with it. When used alone with a questioning tone ('Cioè?!'), it expresses disbelief or demands explanation.
📝 Example Sentences
Cioè, non ho capito cosa vuoi dire.
I mean, I didn't understand what you mean.
Arrivo alle tre, cioè, forse alle quattro.
I'll arrive at three, I mean, maybe at four.
Cioè?! Stai scherzando?
What?! Are you kidding?