Italian · Greetings & Essentials
"I don't understand" in Italian: non capisco
non capisco
I don't understand in Italian is non capisco (non kah-PEES-koh). Capisco is from capire. Soften with scusa or can you repeat: puoi ripetere?
In class
Scusa, non capisco questa regola.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce non capisco
Say it
non kah-PEES-koh
/non kaˈpi.sko/
Non is nohn. Capisco stresses PEES: kah-PEES-koh.
"I don't understand" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| non capisco | I don't understand Clear learner phrase. | Clear learner phrase. |
| non ho capito | I didn't understand Past: something just said. | Past: something just said. |
| non capisco bene | I don't understand well Softer version. | Softer version. |
| scusa, non capisco | sorry, I don't understand Polite with friends (tu). | Polite with friends (tu). |
How to use non capisco in real life
- 1In class
Scusa, non capisco questa regola.
Sorry, I don't understand this rule.
Full phrase non capisco.
- 2Fast speech
Non capisco quando parli così veloce.
I don't understand when you speak so fast.
Non capisco + when clause.
- 3Directions
Non capisco la mappa: puoi aiutarmi?
I don't understand the map: can you help me?
Non capisco + object.
Mistakes English speakers make with non capisco
Incorrect: Non capire.
Correct: Non capisco.
Conjugate: io capisco.
Incorrect: Non comprendo always (too stiff).
Correct: Non capisco.
Capisco is the natural everyday verb.
Good to know
Non capisco is expected from learners and never rude. Pair it with a smile and puoi ripetere? and Italians usually slow down gladly.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Asking a local for help
ChatPal
Hai seguito le indicazioni?
Did you follow the directions?
You
No. Non capisco questa freccia.
No. I don't understand this arrow.
ChatPal
Ok, ripeto piano.
Ok, I'll repeat slowly.
You
Grazie. Se non capisco, ti fermo.
Thanks. If I don't understand, I'll stop you.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"I don't understand" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "I don't understand" in Italian
Capisco or capisco niente?
Non capisco is clear; non capisco niente intensifies.
Past form?
Non ho capito for something just said.
Formal version?
Same non capisco; add scusi with strangers.
What verb is this?
Capire: io capisco, tu capisci, lui/lei capisce.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
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- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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