Negation with Non

In brief

To say that something is not true in Italian, put non directly before the verb. You do not need a separate word like English do or does. The verb keeps its usual form: Parlo italiano becomes Non parlo italiano. Italian often leaves out the subject pronoun, so Non parlo is a complete sentence meaning ‘I don’t speak.’

Form

non + conjugated verb + rest of the sentence

Usage

• Put non before everyday verbs to say you do not do something: Non lavoro oggi (I’m not working today).
• Use the same placement with essere and avere: Non sono pronto (I’m not ready); Non ho tempo (I don’t have time).
• Keep non even when the subject is stated: Marco non parla inglese (Marco doesn’t speak English).

Examples

• Non parlo italiano. — I don’t speak Italian.
• Non ho tempo oggi. — I don’t have time today.
• La pizza non è calda. — The pizza isn’t hot.
• Non siamo a casa. — We’re not at home.

Common mistake

❌ No capisco.

✅ Non capisco.

Use non before a verb to mean ‘not.’ No is the standalone answer ‘no,’ not the word that negates capisco.

Remember

Put non immediately before the verb: Non capisco means ‘I don’t understand.’