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PhrasesCancelling PlansDevo stare a casa, non c'è nessuno con il cane.
B1informal

Devo stare a casa, non c'è nessuno con il cane.

I have to stay home, there's nobody with the dog.

Pronunciation

'Nessuno' — nes-SU-no. Stress on the second syllable. The double 's' is slightly held.

When to use it

Use among pet owners — in Italy, pet ownership (especially dogs) is very common and responsibilities are taken seriously. Fellow dog owners will immediately understand.

What it means

'Non c'è nessuno' means 'there is nobody'. The phrase explains that the dog would be left entirely alone, which is a genuine welfare concern. Italian pet owners are very conscientious and this reason is widely respected.

Variations

Il mio cane non può restare solo.

My dog can't be left alone.

Direct statement about the dog's needs — accepted without question

Devo portare il cane dal veterinario.

I have to take the dog to the vet.

Vet appointments generate the same sympathy as human medical ones in Italy

Il cane non sta bene.

The dog isn't well.

Sick pet = genuine emergency in Italian pet-owner culture

Mini Dialogue

— Vieni a cena? — Stasera non posso, devo stare a casa. Non c'è nessuno con il cane. — Ah, capisco! Porta anche lui la prossima volta! — Buona idea, è già venuto una volta!

— Are you coming to dinner? — I can't tonight, I have to stay home. There's nobody with the dog. — Ah, I understand! Bring him along next time! — Good idea, he's come once already!

Cultural Note

Italy has one of Europe's highest rates of dog ownership. Dogs are welcome in many Italian restaurants and shops. Inviting someone to bring their dog is a common and genuine gesture of inclusion.