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chissà

who knows

adverb kees-SAH Less Common
Communication Expressions

Origin: Contracted from chi sa (who knows)

Also means

maybe

Usage Note

Chissà is an invariable exclamatory adverb expressing uncertainty or wistful speculation — 'who knows,' 'I wonder,' or 'maybe.' It often opens a sentence (Chissà dove sono andati = Who knows where they went) and can stand alone as a one-word reply. Never written as two words.

Examples

"Chissà se tornerà domani."

Natural Translation

Who knows if he'll come back tomorrow.

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