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How to Say "I don't know" in Italian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Non lo so
"I don't know" in Italian 路 say it like non lo so

The most natural way to say "I don't know" in Italian is Non lo so. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Non ne ho idea
Used when you want to express a lack of knowledge about something specific.
Non sono sicuro
Used when you are uncertain about something.

When to use it

You can use this phrase when someone asks you a question and you genuinely do not have the answer. It is a straightforward way to express uncertainty. It can be used in both casual and formal conversations.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I don't know" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Italian

ItalianEnglish
Non lo so se verr脿 domani.I don't know if he will come tomorrow.
Non lo so cosa fare.I don't know what to do.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this phrase with 'Non so' which is also correct but less complete.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Non lo so, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Italian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this phrase in a formal setting?

Yes, 'Non lo so' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Learn Italian by speaking it

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