Have you ever heard of 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.
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[Italian Lesson] What does that have to do with anything?