15 Ways To Say "I Don't Know" In Italian: From Formal To The Must-Know Slang 'Boh'

Learning how to say "I don't know" in Italian is a crucial step in sounding like a native speaker, and it's far more complex than a simple direct translation. As of December 15, 2025, the standard phrase remains *Non lo so*, but relying solely on this expression will immediately mark you as a beginner. True fluency lies in knowing the right variation—from formal politeness to casual, expressive slang—to use in any given social context, which is exactly what we will explore in depth.

The Italian language is rich with nuances, and expressing uncertainty, doubt, or even indifference requires a diverse vocabulary. Mastering these alternatives is the key to unlocking authentic Italian conversation, allowing you to move beyond basic textbook phrases and engage with the colorful, expressive nature of the *linguaggio colloquiale* (colloquial language) used every day across Italy.

The Essential Foundation: Non Lo So vs. Non So

The most direct and foundational way to say "I don't know" is the phrase Non lo so. However, many learners mistakenly drop the crucial little word, *lo*, which changes the meaning and usage significantly.

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Non Lo So: The Direct Answer

The phrase Non lo so (pronounced: *non loh soh*) is the most grammatically complete and common way to respond directly to a question when you don't know the answer. The core of the phrase is the verb *sapere* (to know), conjugated as *so* (I know), and negated with *non* (not).

• Non: Not
• Lo: It (This is the direct object pronoun)
• So: I know

A literal translation is "I don't know it." The inclusion of the direct object pronoun lo (it) is essential because it refers back to the specific piece of information or topic you are being asked about.

Example:
*«Sai a che ora apre il museo?»* (Do you know what time the museum opens?)
*«Non lo so.»* (I don't know [it].)

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Non So: The General Statement

The phrase Non so (pronounced: *non soh*) is also correct, but it is generally used in a different context. Without the object pronoun *lo*, the phrase typically means "I don't know how to [do something]" or is used when followed by an infinitive verb or a clause.

Example 1 (Ability):
*«Non so nuotare.»* (I don't know how to swim.)
*«Non so cosa fare.»* (I don't know what to do.)

Example 2 (General Uncertainty):
*«Non so se verrò alla festa.»* (I don't know if I will come to the party.)

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While some native speakers might use *Non so* as a quick, general answer to a direct question, Non lo so is the safer, more specific, and more grammatically standard choice for a direct response of ignorance.

The Colorful World of Italian Uncertainty: Slang and Idioms

To truly sound like a local, you must move beyond the standard *Non lo so* and embrace the expressive, idiomatic alternatives. These phrases offer different degrees of certainty, from having no clue to expressing complete indifference.

1. Boh! (The Universal Italian Shrug)

This is arguably the most common and versatile piece of Italian slang for "I don't know." Boh! (pronounced: *boh*, like the 'bo' in 'boat') is an interjection, similar to saying "Dunno!" in English. It is highly informal and is nearly always accompanied by the quintessential Italian gesture: a shoulder shrug, possibly with palms turned upwards.

The beauty of *Boh* is its depth of meaning. It can convey:

• Simple ignorance: "I don't know."
• Indifference: "I don't know and I don't care."
• Confusion: "I'm confused about the answer."

Because of its informality, use *Boh* only with friends, family, or in very casual settings. It is a one-word masterclass in Italian non-verbal communication.

2. Non Ne Ho Idea (I Have No Idea)

This is a fantastic, slightly stronger, and more expressive alternative to *Non lo so*. Non ne ho idea (pronounced: *non nay oh ee-DEH-ah*) translates to "I have no idea of it." The particle *ne* replaces the object pronoun *lo* here, referring to the topic at hand.

To make it even stronger: You can use Non ne ho la minima idea or Non ne ho la più vaga idea, which means "I have absolutely no clue" or "I have not the slightest/vaguest idea."

3. Chi Lo Sa? (Who Knows?)

A rhetorical question used to express that the information is generally unknown or unknowable. Chi lo sa? (pronounced: *kee loh sah*) is the Italian equivalent of "Who knows?"

4. Magari Lo Sapessi! (If I Only Knew!)

This is a dramatic and expressive way to show that you are genuinely frustrated that you don't know the answer. Magari lo sapessi! (pronounced: *mah-GAH-ree loh sah-PES-see*) literally means "If I only knew it!"

Advanced Expressions for Doubt and Politeness

For more formal situations, or when you want to express uncertainty in a soft, polite, or tentative manner, Italian grammar offers sophisticated options using the conditional and subjunctive moods.

5. Non Saprei (I Wouldn't Know)

The conditional form of the verb *sapere* is Non saprei (pronounced: *non sah-PRAY-ee*). This is a beautifully polite and softer way to express "I don't know," translating to "I wouldn't know." It’s perfect for professional settings, speaking to elders, or when you want to hedge your answer gently.

Example:
*«Mi scusi, sa dirmi dov'è la stazione?»* (Excuse me, can you tell me where the station is?)
*«Mi dispiace, non saprei.»* (I'm sorry, I wouldn't know.)

6. Non Sono Sicuro/a (I'm Not Sure)

A straightforward and universally polite alternative, Non sono sicuro (for males) or Non sono sicura (for females) means "I'm not sure." It suggests that while you don't have the answer, you might have an educated guess or the information is simply unverified.

7. Non So Dirti (I Can't Tell You)

This phrase, Non so dirti (pronounced: *non soh DEER-tee*), literally means "I don't know how to tell you." It’s a common, slightly more emphatic way to say you don't have the answer, often used when the question is complex or requires detailed knowledge.

A Comprehensive List of Italian "I Don't Know" Expressions (15 Entities)

Here is a consolidated list of the most important ways to express a lack of knowledge or uncertainty in Italian, categorized by context to build your topical authority:

Avoiding Common Mistakes and Speaking Like a Local

One of the most common mistakes is to overuse a single phrase. Italian conversation thrives on variety. Another mistake is forgetting the object pronoun *lo* when responding directly to a question, as discussed earlier. Always remember to include the lo pronoun in a direct answer.

Finally, pay close attention to the context. Using the slang Boh in a formal business meeting would be considered highly inappropriate, while using the formal Non saprei with your closest friends might sound overly stiff and unnatural. The power of the Italian language is in choosing the right emotional and social weight for your words.