Italian Phrase
Che effetti collaterali ci sono?
Meaning
This question asks about the possible side effects of a medication, treatment, or product. It is a neutral, inquisitive way to request health‑related information.
When to use
Use it when speaking with a doctor, pharmacist, or reading a medication leaflet. It works both in formal medical settings and casual conversations about supplements or cosmetics.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cheeffetticollateralicisono?
Che (interrogative adjective)
Used before a noun to ask 'what' or 'which', agreeing in gender and number with the noun.
Effetti collaterali (noun phrase)
A compound noun meaning 'side effects', where 'effetti' is plural masculine and 'collaterali' agrees in number.
Ci sono (impersonal construction)
Literally 'there are', used to indicate existence; 'ci' is an expletive pronoun and 'sono' is the third‑person plural of 'essere'.
🗨In Conversation
Che effetti collaterali ci sono?
What side effects are there?
Ci sono nausea, vertigini e secchezza della bocca.
There are nausea, dizziness and dry mouth.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa effetti collaterali ci sono?
‘Cosa’ is a pronoun, not an adjective; it would sound unnatural before a noun.
Che effetti collaterali ci è?
Use ‘ci sono’ for plural nouns; ‘ci è’ is singular.
Che effetto collaterale ci sono?
The noun is plural in this question because you’re asking about multiple possible effects.
↔Alternatives
Quali sono gli effetti collaterali?
What are the side effects?
Che effetti indesiderati ha?
What unwanted effects does it have?
Ci sono effetti collaterali?
Are there any side effects?
Cultural Tip
In Italy patients often use the formal 'Lei' when addressing a doctor, e.g., 'Quali effetti collaterali ha il farmaco, dottore?'. The phrase above is informal and suitable for friends, family, or when the doctor invites a more relaxed tone. Also, Italians appreciate clear, concise questions about health, so avoid overly long sentences.