When you’re learning a language like Italian, it’s essential to know how to express when you’re unsure or don’t fully comprehend something. In this article, I’ll share different ways to say “I don’t understand” in Italian.
Discover different ways to say “I don’t understand” to enhance your communication skills. Learn polite, professional, and casual phrases to express confusion in any situation, ensuring clarity while maintaining a respectful tone in conversations.
Each phrase will be paired with a scenario example, such as a conversation or an email, to help you see how to use it naturally in context. Whether in casual, professional, or formal settings, you’ll find the perfect expression for your needs.
List Of Different Ways to Say ‘I Don’t Understand’ in Italian
- Non capisco
- Non ho capito
- Mi sfugge
- Non riesco a capire
- Non mi è chiaro
- Sono confusa/o
- Non afferro il concetto
- Non colgo il senso
- Mi sfugge il punto
- Non comprendo
- Non riesco a seguire
- Non mi torna
- Non colgo il nesso
- Non sono sicura di aver capito bene
- Mi sfugge qualcosa
- Non riesco a farmi un’idea chiara
- Non mi risulta chiaro
- Ho dei dubbi
- Non riesco a interpretare
1. Non capisco
This is the most straightforward way to say “I don’t understand” in Italian. It’s versatile and can be used in almost any context, from casual conversations to formal discussions.
Example:
Subject: Clarification Needed on Presentation
Hi Mia,
I hope you’re doing well! I just finished reviewing the slides for tomorrow’s presentation, but there’s one part where non capisco the data analysis in section two. Could you explain it to me in simpler terms? I want to make sure I’m on the same page before the meeting. Thanks for your help!
Best regards,
Hannah
2. Non ho capito
This translates to “I didn’t understand” and is often used after someone has explained something but you need further clarification.
Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Today’s Meeting
Hi Mia,
Thanks for walking me through the new procedures earlier. However, non ho capito the section on inventory management. Could you perhaps provide a more detailed explanation or point me to the relevant documents? I want to make sure I’m following the new system correctly.
Best,
Hannah
3. Mi sfugge
This phrase means “It escapes me” and is often used when you feel like the understanding of something is slipping away, usually in a more casual context.
Example:
Subject: Quick Question on Project Scope
Hey Mia,
I’ve been looking over the project scope, but there’s something that mi sfugge. Are we supposed to include last quarter’s data, or is this limited to the current year only? Could you clarify when you have a moment?
Best,
Hannah
4. Non riesco a capire
This means “I can’t manage to understand”, implying that even though you’re trying, the concept is difficult to grasp.
Example:
Subject: Struggling with Concept
Hi Mia,
I’ve been trying to work through the financial model, but non riesco a capire how the depreciation is calculated. Could you possibly walk me through this when you have a moment? I want to make sure I’m not missing anything.
Thank you,
Hannah
5. Non mi è chiaro
This translates to “It’s not clear to me” and is more polite, often used in formal or professional situations where you need further explanation.
Example:
Subject: Clarification Request
Dear Mia,
Thank you for your detailed explanation on the budget adjustments. However, non mi è chiaro how we are allocating the funds for the marketing campaign. Could you provide further clarification on this point?
Best regards,
Hannah
6. Sono confusa/o
This means “I am confused”, and it can be used when you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed by information.
Example:
Subject: Confused About Recent Update
Hi Mia,
I’ve read through the recent update, but sono confusa about the changes to the team structure. Are we still reporting to the same manager, or has that changed? I’d appreciate any clarity you can offer.
Warm regards,
Hannah
7. Non afferro il concetto
This translates to “I don’t grasp the concept”, which is a more sophisticated way of expressing that you don’t understand a complex idea.
Example:
Subject: Help Needed on Conceptual Framework
Hi Mia,
I’ve been reviewing the new strategy framework, but non afferro il concetto behind the segmentation approach. Could we discuss this further in our next meeting? I feel like I’m missing an essential piece.
Best,
Hannah
8. Non colgo il senso
This phrase means “I don’t get the sense”, and it’s useful when something doesn’t seem to make logical sense to you.
Example:
Subject: Need Clarification on Strategy
Dear Mia,
I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been analyzing the latest strategy document, but non colgo il senso behind the recommended actions for Q4. Could you explain the reasoning further? I think I’m missing some context.
Thank you in advance,
Hannah
9. Mi sfugge il punto
This translates to “I’m missing the point” and can be used when you feel like you’re not understanding the core message of something.
Example:
Subject: Re: Presentation Feedback
Hi Mia,
Thank you for your feedback on my presentation, but mi sfugge il punto about the change you mentioned for slide 10. Could you clarify what exactly needs to be revised?
Best,
Hannah
10. Non comprendo
This is a more formal version of “I don’t understand”, often used in professional or academic settings.
Example:
Subject: Request for Clarification on Report
Dear Mia,
I’ve reviewed the quarterly report, but non comprendo the section on cost allocations. Could you provide a more detailed breakdown of these figures? I want to ensure everything is in order before the next meeting.
Best regards,
Hannah
11. Non riesco a seguire
This means “I can’t follow” and is often used when you’re having trouble keeping up with a conversation or explanation.
Example:
Subject: Lost During Discussion
Hi Mia,
I tried to follow the conversation during today’s meeting, but non riesco a seguire the part about the new client onboarding process. Could you explain that section to me again? I appreciate your help.
Warm regards,
Hannah
12. Non mi torna
This phrase means “It doesn’t add up for me” and can be used when something isn’t making sense logically or mathematically.
Example:
Subject: Question About Financial Report
Hi Mia,
I’ve been going over the financial report, but there’s a part that non mi torna. The revenue numbers in Q3 don’t seem to match the projections. Could you clarify this discrepancy?
Thank you,
Hannah
13. Non colgo il nesso
This translates to “I don’t see the connection”, and it’s useful when two ideas or facts don’t seem to align in your mind.
Example:
Subject: Clarification on Two Strategies
Dear Mia,
I’ve reviewed both the marketing and sales strategies, but non colgo il nesso between the two. Could you help me understand how these approaches are meant to complement each other?
Best,
Hannah
14. Non sono sicura di aver capito bene
This means “I’m not sure I understood correctly” and is useful for expressing uncertainty about whether you’ve grasped something in its entirety.
Example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Task Instructions
Hi Mia,
I just wanted to confirm something – non sono sicura di aver capito bene the instructions for tomorrow’s client presentation. Are we focusing solely on the Q3 results, or are we including Q4 projections as well?
Thank you for clarifying,
Hannah
15. Mi sfugge qualcosa
This translates to “I’m missing something”, often used when you feel like there’s a gap in your understanding.
Example:
Subject: Missing Something on the Project Plan
Hi Mia,
I’ve been reviewing the project timeline, but I feel like mi sfugge qualcosa. Could you confirm if we are including the research phase in the final deliverable? I want to make sure I’m aligned with the team.
Best regards,
Hannah
16. Non riesco a farmi un’idea chiara
This means “I can’t get a clear picture”, often used when you’re struggling to see the full scope of a situation.
Example:
Subject: Clarification on Strategic Goals
Hi Mia,
I’ve been thinking about the strategy, but non riesco a farmi un’idea chiara of how the new objectives align with our long-term goals. Could we discuss this further in our next meeting?
Best,
Hannah
17. Non mi risulta chiaro
This phrase translates to “It’s not clear to me” and is often used in professional discussions when you’re seeking clarification.
Example:
Subject: Request for Clarification on Document
Dear Mia,
I’ve read through the document you sent, but non mi risulta chiaro how the changes affect the project timeline. Could you provide further details?
Best regards,
Hannah
18. Ho dei dubbi
This means “I have doubts” and can be used when you’re uncertain about an idea or piece of information.
Example:
Subject: Doubts About Proposal
Hi Mia,
I’ve reviewed the new proposal, but ho dei dubbi about the feasibility of the timeline. Could we discuss this in more detail? I’d like to address any concerns before we proceed.
Thanks,
Hannah
19. Non riesco a interpretare
This translates to “I can’t interpret” and can be used when you’re struggling to make sense of written or spoken information.
Example:
Subject: Struggling to Interpret Data
Hi Mia,
I’ve been looking at the survey results, but non riesco a interpretare some of the responses. Could you assist me in making sense of the trends? I appreciate your insights.
Best,
Hannah
