cioè

Cioè is an Italian discourse particle used to introduce a clarification or restatement of what has just been said. Its function is to rephrase, specify, or limit a preceding statement, and its English equivalents are “that is,” “in other words,” or “i.e.”

Usage and syntax: It typically appears after a comma as a parenthetical reformulation. It can occur mid-sentence or at the beginning of a clarifying clause. Cioè is common in spoken Italian and informal writing; in formal writing, alternatives such as ossia or vale a dire are often preferred.

Etymology and related terms: The word derives from the phrase cioè, ultimately from ciò è, meaning “that is,” with phonetic assimilation over time. It shares semantic territory with synonyms such as ossia and vale a dire, which also introduce clarification or restatement but with different stylistic nuances.

Nuance and style: Cioè signals a close relationship between the clarified content and the preceding statement. It can correct, specify, or narrow the scope. It is not used to introduce new information; rather, it reframes what has already been said. Overuse can give a colloquial or informal tone in otherwise neutral writing.

Examples: Abbiamo due opzioni: restare qui, cioè non fare nulla, o andare avanti. La proposta è semplice, cioè richiede solo un nuovo budget. Hai dimenticato la chiave? Cioè, non puoi entrare senza di essa.