🏛️ Latin phrases

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

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
nescio
"I don't know" in Latin · say it like neh-shee-oh

The most natural way to say "I don't know" in Latin is nescio. 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 scio
a more formal way to express the same idea

When to use it

Use 'nescio' when you want to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge about something. It can be used in both casual and formal conversations. It's a straightforward way to admit that you do not have the information someone is asking for.

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 Latin

LatinEnglish
Quid hoc sit, nescio.I don't know what this is.
De hoc negotio, nescio quid dicam.About this matter, I don't know what to say.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'nescio' with 'non scio', thinking they are interchangeable, but 'nescio' is more commonly used in everyday speech.

The fastest way to remember it

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

Frequently asked questions

Is there a more formal way to say 'I don't know' in Latin?

Yes, 'non scio' is a more formal expression.

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