Bedeutung
Admitting that you missed or did not comprehend information.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Italians use a lot of hand gestures. When saying 'non ho capito', it's common to use the 'finger purse' (pigna) or to tilt the head and touch the ear. In the south, people might speak faster and use more dialect. Don't be afraid to use 'scusa' multiple times; it's seen as a sign of interest in the conversation. In a professional meeting, always use 'Scusi' or 'Mi scusi'. Admitting you didn't understand a point is better than nodding and failing to deliver a task later. On TikTok or Instagram, you'll see 'non ho capito' used in memes when something confusing or absurd happens. It's a universal reaction to 'weird' content.
The 'Mi' Trick
Say 'Scusami' to sound more natural and friendly with friends.
The 'Scusi' Rule
Always use 'Scusi' with people older than you or in shops to be safe.
Bedeutung
Admitting that you missed or did not comprehend information.
The 'Mi' Trick
Say 'Scusami' to sound more natural and friendly with friends.
The 'Scusi' Rule
Always use 'Scusi' with people older than you or in shops to be safe.
Don't Just Nod
Italians prefer you to interrupt and ask rather than pretend to understand.
Add 'Bene'
Say 'Non ho capito bene' (I didn't understand well) to sound more polite.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the phrase with the correct auxiliary verb.
Scusa, non ___ capito.
The subject is 'io' (I), so the auxiliary verb 'avere' must be 'ho'.
Which form is appropriate for a teacher?
___, non ho capito.
'Scusi' is the formal version used for teachers, elders, and strangers.
Match the situation to the best response.
You are at a loud concert and a friend says something.
With a friend (informal) and in a very loud place, 'niente' (nothing) adds emphasis.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Il ristorante è in Via Roma.' B: 'Scusa, non ho capito. ___?'
The speaker mentioned a street (Via Roma), so the question should be about the location (Where?).
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to use it
Situations
- • Noisy bar
- • Fast speaker
- • New word
- • Bad phone line
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenScusa, non ___ capito.
The subject is 'io' (I), so the auxiliary verb 'avere' must be 'ho'.
___, non ho capito.
'Scusi' is the formal version used for teachers, elders, and strangers.
You are at a loud concert and a friend says something.
With a friend (informal) and in a very loud place, 'niente' (nothing) adds emphasis.
A: 'Il ristorante è in Via Roma.' B: 'Scusa, non ho capito. ___?'
The speaker mentioned a street (Via Roma), so the question should be about the location (Where?).
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenIt's very informal and can be seen as slightly aggressive. 'Scusa, non ho capito' is much safer.
Say: 'Scusa, sono straniero, puoi parlare più lentamente?' (Sorry, I'm a foreigner, can you speak more slowly?)
Because 'capito' is the past participle, which is required after the auxiliary 'ho'.
Yes, but use the formal 'Non ho capito bene...' or 'Non mi è chiaro...' (It's not clear to me).
No, 'scusa' is for 'excuse me' or minor apologies. 'Mi dispiace' is for 'I'm sorry' in an emotional sense.
Use 'Non ho sentito'.
Yes, but it sounds a bit blunt. Adding 'Scusa' or 'Scusi' makes it much more polite.
'Capito' is everyday Italian; 'compreso' is more formal and literary.
No, because the auxiliary is 'avere', the past participle 'capito' stays the same regardless of who is speaking.
Yes, the 'finger purse' (pigna) is often used while saying this to ask 'What?'.
Yes, it works for both words and situations.
Say 'Non ho capito niente'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Puoi ripetere?
builds onCan you repeat?
Non capisco
similarI don't understand (present)
Come si dice...?
similarHow do you say...?
Più piano, per favore
builds onMore slowly, please
Non ho afferrato
synonymI didn't catch it
