Italian Phrase
C'è qualcosa di rotto.
Meaning
Literally, 'There is something broken.' It is used to point out that an object or part of a system is not functioning properly.
When to use
Use this phrase when you notice a malfunction or damage and want to draw attention to it, whether in a house, a workplace, or a public place.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'èqualcosadirotto
C'è (ci è)
Contraction of 'ci' (there) + 'è' (is), used to indicate existence.
qualcosa
Indefinite pronoun meaning 'something', always singular and gender‑neutral.
di + adjective
When an adjective follows an indefinite pronoun like 'qualcosa', it is introduced by 'di' and stays in the masculine singular form.
rotto (past participle)
Past participle of 'rompere' used as an adjective meaning 'broken'.
🗨In Conversation
C'è qualcosa di rotto?
Is something broken?
Sì, il rubinetto è rotto.
Yes, the faucet is broken.
✕Common Mistakes
C'è qualcosa rotto.
Missing the preposition 'di' before the adjective; the correct structure is 'qualcosa di rotto'.
C'è qualcosa di rotta.
The adjective must stay masculine singular; do not change it to feminine.
C'è qualcosa di rotti.
Do not pluralize the adjective; it remains singular.
↔Alternatives
C'è qualcosa che non funziona.
There is something that doesn't work.
Qualcosa è rotto.
Something is broken.
C'è un guasto.
There is a fault.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, the construction 'qualcosa di + adjective' is very common to describe a quality of an indefinite thing. The adjective never agrees with 'qualcosa'—it stays masculine singular, even if the actual object is feminine (e.g., 'qualcosa di rotto' can refer to a broken lamp, which is feminine in Italian).