Italian · Greetings & Essentials
"Not" in Italian: non
non
Not in Italian is non (nohn). Put it before the verb: non so, non vengo. Non ancora means not yet.
Declining plans
Stasera non esco: sono stanco.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce non
Say it
nohn
/non/
Non is a short nohn, like English known without the k.
"Not" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| non | not Default negation before the verb. | Default negation before the verb. |
| non lo so | I don't know Everyday. | Everyday. |
| non ancora | not yet Timing. | Timing. |
| non… più | no longer / not anymore Stopped habits. | Stopped habits. |
How to use non in real life
- 1Declining plans
Stasera non esco: sono stanco.
I'm not going out tonight: I'm tired.
Non before the verb.
- 2Quiz answer
Non lo so, scusa.
I don't know, sorry.
Non lo so.
- 3Waiting on food
La pizza non è ancora pronta.
The pizza is not ready yet.
Non… ancora.
Mistakes English speakers make with non
Incorrect: Io no voglio.
Correct: Non voglio.
Use non before the verb, not no as the main negator.
Incorrect: I not understand.
Correct: Non capisco.
Italian negation is non + verb.
Good to know
Italian negation is light and early: non before the verb does most of the work. No alone answers questions; non builds full sentences.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Deciding whether to stay out
ChatPal
Vieni al concerto?
Are you coming to the concert?
You
No, non vengo: ho sonno.
No, I'm not coming: I'm sleepy.
ChatPal
Ok, allora non ti aspetto fuori.
Ok, then I won't wait for you outside.
You
Grazie, non fare tardi tu.
Thanks—don't stay out late yourself.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Not" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Not" in Italian
Where does non go?
Usually right before the verb.
I don't know?
Non lo so.
Not yet?
Non ancora.
No vs non?
No answers; non negates a verb phrase.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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