Confused? Say ‘I Do not Know’ in Italian in Any Scenario

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You’ll have heard Socrates’ well-known paradox, “I do know that I do know nothing.” As embarrassing because it typically feels, admitting that you simply don’t know or didn’t perceive is the important thing to studying. You’ll discover loads of moments like this, particularly while you’re studying Italian or visiting Italy. Use this information to the most typical expressions to say, “I don’t know” in Italian for numerous conditions.

Use negation and both sapere or conoscere to say ‘I don’t know’ in Italian

The most typical Italian phrases for “I don’t know” use the negation non + the verb sapere or conoscere. Simply ensure you don’t confuse non with no in Italian, which is for express solutions of “no.” The distinction between these two verbs is essential to realizing the best way to communicate Italian, as they each imply “to know” however aren’t interchangeable.

• sapere: to know info or the best way to do one thing (sensible data)
• conoscere: to be accustomed to an individual, place, or matter

Like in English, you should utilize extra particular verbs and expressions, like capire (to know) or avere ideadi (to have an thought of), and even Italian slang expressions that aren’t a part of on a regular basis conversations.

Non so/non lo so (I don’t know)

One of the direct methods to say “I don’t know” in Italian is with the verb sapere, which conjugates to so for the pronoun “I.” You utilize non so as a solution or while you’re making an announcement about not realizing.

• Non so a che ora parte il treno. = I don’t know what time the prepare leaves.

When the factor you don’t learn about has already been talked about within the dialog, you possibly can add the pronoun lo and say non lo so.

• Sai a che ora parte il treno? = Are you aware what time the prepare leaves?
  • Non lo so, mi dispiace. = I don’t know, I’m sorry.

You may soften non lo so with mi dispiace (“I’m sorry” in Italian) or a little bit shrug to make the reply extra well mannered and sound like a local.

Non saprei (I couldn’t say)

A barely softer possibility with the verb sapere is non saprei. The verb is within the current conditional, one of many Italian verbal moods/tenses used to precise politeness or warning, just like saying “I couldn’t say” in English.

• Sai a che ora apre la farmacia? = Are you aware what time the pharmacy opens?
  • Non saprei. Magari prova a telefonare. = I couldn’t say. Perhaps attempt calling.

You’ll additionally hear it in conditions the place you need to keep away from sounding too direct or damaging:

• Non saprei proprio come aiutarti. = I’m undecided how that will help you.

Non conosco (I don’t know)

Once you’re unfamiliar with an individual or a spot, the proper verb to make use of is conoscere. Like with sapere, you possibly can say non conosco, or use pronouns to be extra particular.

• Non conosco questo quartiere. = I don’t know this neighborhood.
• Non conosco le origini della pizza. Dai, raccontamele! = I don’t know the origins of pizza. Come on, inform me about them!
• Sai chi è Jane? = Are you aware who Jane is?
  • No, non la conosco. = No, I don’t know her.

Methods to say ‘I don’t know’ with out sapere or conoscere

Whereas the choices above are the most typical methods to say “I don’t know” in Italian, there are different choices, often utilized in extra informal conditions.

Non ho thought/non ne ho thought (I do not know)

Actually “I do not know,” this expression is a stronger approach to specific full uncertainty. You utilize it while you’re genuinely clueless about one thing, however watch out: It sounds unprofessional in tutorial or skilled settings.

• Non ho thought di dove sia la stazione. = I do not know the place the station is.
• Non ho thought di cosa fare. = I don’t know what to do.

It additionally works as a brief, emphatic reply.

• Non ne ho la più pallida/la minima thought. = I haven’t the faintest/the slightest thought.

Boh (I don’t know; slang)

A really casual, slang approach to say “I don’t know” in Italian is boh. It’s expressive and tremendous widespread in a pleasant surroundings throughout Italy.

• Quando torna Brian dalle ferie? = When is Brian getting back from trip?
  • Boh! = I don’t know.
  • Boh… forse domani? = Dunno… perhaps tomorrow?

Non capisco (I don’t perceive)

Non capisco means “I don’t perceive,” however it works equally to “I don’t know” in Italian. It’s one of the crucial helpful phrases to have available when you’re visiting Italy and nonetheless struggling to comply with native audio system at full velocity. You can even use it to precise disbelief.

• Non capisco la differenza fra mangia e mangiare in italiano. = I don’t know the distinction between “eat” and “to eat” in Italian.
• Non capisco perché ti comportarti così. = I don’t perceive/I don’t know why you’re appearing like this.

Once you communicate with Italians, the aim is to know them and be understood.