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Italian Phrase

In cosa credi davvero?

/in ˈkɔ.za ˈkre.di ˈdavve.ro/
Meaning"What do you really believe?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks someone to reveal the belief or conviction that lies at the core of their thinking. It goes beyond superficial opinions and invites a deeper, more personal answer about values, faith, or worldview.

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When to use

Use this question in philosophical discussions, personal coaching sessions, or any moment when you want to explore someone's true convictions. It works well in informal chats among friends as well as in more formal interviews when you want to get to the heart of someone's motivations.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Incosacredidavvero?

1

In (preposition)

Used here to ask 'in what', introducing the object of belief.

2

cosa (interrogative pronoun)

Means 'what' and follows the preposition to form the question.

3

credi (second‑person singular of credere)

Verb meaning 'to believe'; conjugated for 'tu' (you).

4

davvero (adverb)

Adds emphasis, translating to 'really' or 'truly'.

🗨In Conversation

A

In cosa credi davvero?

What do you really believe in?

Credo nella bontà delle persone, anche quando le azioni sembrano egoistiche.

I believe in the goodness of people, even when their actions seem selfish.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • In cosa credi a davvero?

    Use 'credere in' when referring to belief in an idea or principle; 'credere a' is for trusting a person or thing.

  • In che cosa credi davvero?

    Both 'cosa' and 'che cosa' are correct, but 'In che cosa credi davvero?' sounds more formal and slightly redundant.

  • In cosa credi?

    Omitting 'davvero' weakens the emphasis; the sentence is still correct but less intense.

↔Alternatives

  • Cosa credi davvero?

    What do you truly believe?

  • Qual è la tua vera fede?

    What is your true faith?

  • In cosa hai davvero fiducia?

    What do you truly trust in?

it

Cultural Tip

Italian speakers often add 'davvero' to stress sincerity. In casual conversation you might drop the preposition and say 'Cosa credi davvero?'. Be aware that 'credere' can take both 'a' (to trust someone) and 'in' (to believe in an idea); using the wrong preposition changes the meaning, e.g., 'credere a Dio' vs. 'credere in Dio'.