๐Ÿ›๏ธ Latin phrases

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

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Non intellego
"I don't understand" in Latin ยท say it like non in-tel-leh-go

The most natural way to say "I don't understand" in Latin is Non intellego. 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 capio
More casual, often used in everyday conversation
Non comprehendo
More formal, suitable for academic or serious contexts

When to use it

Use this phrase when you genuinely do not understand something someone has said. It can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is polite to follow up with a request for clarification.

Say it out loud, get corrected

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

Examples in Latin

LatinEnglish
Non intellego quid dicas.I don't understand what you are saying.
Non intellego hoc argumentum.I don't understand this argument.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'intellego' with 'intellectus', which is a noun meaning 'understanding'.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Non intellego, 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 polite way to say this?

You can say 'Potesne explicare?' which means 'Can you explain?'

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