Italian Phrase
Cosa c'è di speciale oggi?
Meaning
Literally “What is there that is special today?” It’s a friendly way to ask if anything unusual, exciting, or noteworthy is happening on the current day.
When to use
Use this question in casual conversation with friends, family, or coworkers when you want to know about events, plans, or surprises that make today different from an ordinary day.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosac'èdispecialeoggi?
Cosa
Interrogative pronoun meaning “what”. It can appear at the start of a question.
c'è
Contraction of “ci è”, literally “there is”. Used to introduce the existence of something.
di
Preposition that links “c’è” with an adjective, forming the pattern “c’è di + adjective” (there is something of …).
speciale
Adjective meaning “special”. It stays in the singular masculine form after “di”.
oggi
Adverb meaning “today”. Placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa c'è di speciale oggi?
What's special today?
Domani è il concerto di jazz in piazza, quindi oggi si sta preparando tutto.
Tomorrow there's a jazz concert in the square, so today they're getting everything ready.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa c'è di speciali oggi?
The adjective must stay singular after “di”. Use “speciale”, not the plural “speciali”.
Cosa ce di speciale oggi?
Do not drop the apostrophe; it’s a contraction of “ci è”.
Che c'è di speciale oggi?
While understandable, native speakers usually say “Cosa c'è…”. “Che c'è” sounds awkward.
↔Alternatives
Che cosa c'è di speciale oggi?
What’s special today?
C'è qualcosa di speciale oggi?
Is there something special today?
Che cosa è speciale oggi?
What is special today?
Cultural Tip
The construction “c’è di + adjective” is very common in Italian to ask about the nature of something that exists. Both “cosa” and “che cosa” are correct, but “cosa” sounds a bit more informal. Remember that the adjective stays singular (speciale) even if the hidden noun is plural – the focus is on the quality, not the quantity.