Meaning
Having the capacity to comprehend.
Cultural Background
Italians often use this phrase to be polite when they don't want to do something. Saying 'Non sono in grado di aiutarla' (I am not in a position to help you) sounds softer than a flat 'No'. In Italian universities, professors use this phrase to define the 'obiettivi formativi' (learning objectives). It's a key part of the syllabus. In some southern dialects, people might use 'capire' to mean 'to hear'. However, 'essere in grado di capire' remains standard Italian and is used correctly in formal settings across the south. In Italian business meetings, being 'in grado di capire' the market is considered a sign of 'lungimiranza' (farsightedness).
The 'Di' Rule
Always remember the 'di'. If you say 'Sono in grado capire', an Italian will still understand you, but it sounds like 'I am able understand' in English.
Don't Pluralize 'Grado'
Even if you are talking about a group ('Noi siamo...'), keep it 'in grado'. 'In gradi' is only for temperatures or geometry!
Meaning
Having the capacity to comprehend.
The 'Di' Rule
Always remember the 'di'. If you say 'Sono in grado capire', an Italian will still understand you, but it sounds like 'I am able understand' in English.
Don't Pluralize 'Grado'
Even if you are talking about a group ('Noi siamo...'), keep it 'in grado'. 'In gradi' is only for temperatures or geometry!
Use it in CVs
This is a high-value phrase for your Italian resume. Use it to list your language or technical skills.
Polite Refusal
If someone asks for a favor you can't do, 'Non sono in grado di...' is the most polite way to decline without sounding rude.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Noi non siamo ____ ____ di capire questo libro di filosofia.
The fixed phrase is 'in grado di'.
Choose the correct preposition.
Sei in grado ____ capire perché sono triste?
'In grado' is always followed by the preposition 'di'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of 'essere in grado di capire'.
A: Hai letto il contratto? B: Sì, ma è difficile. Non ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ tutte le clausole.
The speaker (B) is talking about themselves, so 'sono' is the correct conjugation.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'Il computer non è in grado di capire il file.'
The subject is 'il computer', indicating a technology context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNoi non siamo ____ ____ di capire questo libro di filosofia.
The fixed phrase is 'in grado di'.
Sei in grado ____ capire perché sono triste?
'In grado' is always followed by the preposition 'di'.
A: Hai letto il contratto? B: Sì, ma è difficile. Non ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ tutte le clausole.
The speaker (B) is talking about themselves, so 'sono' is the correct conjugation.
Sentence: 'Il computer non è in grado di capire il file.'
The subject is 'il computer', indicating a technology context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'Potere' is general (I can). 'Essere in grado di' implies you have the specific skill or the right conditions to do it.
Yes! 'Sono in grado di correre una maratona' (I am able to run a marathon) is perfectly correct.
It's a fixed grammatical rule in Italian. Nouns like 'grado' that express capacity usually take 'di'.
It's a bit polished, but not 'too' formal. It just sounds like you are being clear about your abilities.
Yes! You can attach pronouns to the end of 'capire'.
The opposite is 'Non essere in grado di capire'.
No, 'grado' is a masculine noun and stays masculine regardless of who is speaking.
Absolutely. 'Essere in grado di cucinare', 'di guidare', 'di parlare', etc.
In spoken Italian, yes. 'Riuscire a capire' is used more often in daily life.
Use the passato prossimo: 'Sono stato in grado di capire'.
Related Phrases
essere capace di
synonymTo be capable of
riuscire a
similarTo manage to
essere all'altezza
similarTo be up to the task
non capirci un tubo
contrastTo not understand a thing
mettere in grado di
builds onTo enable someone to
