You may have heard Socrates’ famous paradox, “I know that I know nothing.” As embarrassing as it sometimes feels, admitting that you don’t know or didn’t understand is the key to learning. You’ll find plenty of moments like this, especially when you’re learning Italian or visiting Italy. Use this guide to the most common expressions to say, “I don’t know” in Italian for various situations.
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Use negation and either sapere or conoscere to say ‘I don’t know’ in Italian
The most common Italian phrases for “I don’t know” use the negation non + the verb sapere or conoscere. Just make sure you don’t confuse non with no in Italian, which is for explicit answers of “no.” The difference between these two verbs is key to knowing how to speak Italian, as they both mean “to know” but are not interchangeable.
- sapere: to know information or how to do something (practical knowledge)
- conoscere: to be familiar with a person, place, or topic
Like in English, you can use more specific verbs and expressions, like capire (to understand) or avere ideadi (to have an idea of), and even Italian slang expressions that are not part of everyday conversations.
Non so/non lo so (I don’t know)
One of the most direct ways to say “I don’t know” in Italian is with the verb sapere, which conjugates to so for the pronoun “I.” You use non so as an answer or when you’re making a statement about not knowing.
- Non so a che ora parte il treno. = I don’t know what time the train leaves.
When the thing you don’t know about has already been mentioned in the conversation, you can add the pronoun lo and say non lo so.
- Sai a che ora parte il treno? = Do you know what time the train leaves?
- Non lo so, mi dispiace. = I don’t know, I’m sorry.
You can soften non lo so with mi dispiace (“I’m sorry” in Italian) or a little shrug to make the reply more polite and sound like a native.
Non saprei (I couldn’t say)
A slightly softer option with the verb sapere is non saprei. The verb is in the present conditional, one of the Italian verbal moods/tenses used to express politeness or caution, similar to saying “I couldn’t say” in English.
- Sai a che ora apre la farmacia? = Do you know what time the pharmacy opens?
- Non saprei. Magari prova a telefonare. = I couldn’t say. Maybe try calling.
You’ll also hear it in situations where you want to avoid sounding too direct or negative:
- Non saprei proprio come aiutarti. = I’m not sure how to help you.
Non conosco (I don’t know)
When you’re unfamiliar with a person or a place, the right verb to use is conoscere. Like with sapere, you can say non conosco, or use pronouns to be more specific.
- 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, tell me about them!
- Sai chi è Jane? = Do you know who Jane is?
- No, non la conosco. = No, I don’t know her.
Ways to say ‘I don’t know’ without sapere or conoscere
While the options above are the most common ways to say “I don’t know” in Italian, there are other options, usually used in more casual situations.
Non ho idea/non ne ho idea (I have no idea)
Literally “I have no idea,” this expression is a stronger way to express complete uncertainty. You use it when you’re genuinely clueless about something, but be careful: It sounds unprofessional in academic or professional settings.
- Non ho idea di dove sia la stazione. = I have no idea where the station is.
- Non ho idea di cosa fare. = I don’t know what to do.
It also works as a short, emphatic reply.
- Non ne ho la più pallida/la minima idea. = I haven’t the faintest/the slightest idea.
Boh (I don’t know; slang)
A very informal, slang way to say “I don’t know” in Italian is boh. It’s expressive and super common in a friendly environment across Italy.
- Quando torna Brian dalle ferie? = When is Brian coming back from vacation?
- Boh! = I don’t know.
- Boh… forse domani? = Dunno… maybe tomorrow?
Non capisco (I don’t understand)
Non capisco means “I don’t understand,” but it works similarly to “I don’t know” in Italian. It’s one of the most useful phrases to have on hand if you’re visiting Italy and still struggling to follow native speakers at full speed. You can also use it to express disbelief.
- Non capisco la differenza fra mangia e mangiare in italiano. = I don’t know the difference between “eat” and “to eat” in Italian.
- Non capisco perché ti comportarti così. = I don’t understand/I don’t know why you’re acting like this.
When you speak with Italians, the goal is to understand them and be understood.
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