Negative Words and Double Negation

In brief

Italian often combines non with a negative word such as niente (nothing), nessuno (nobody), or mai (never). This is normal Italian, even though the English translation uses just one negative idea.

Form

non + verb + niente / nessuno / mai; but nessuno + verb (without non) when nessuno comes before the verb.

Usage

• Put non before the verb when the negative word follows it: Non vedo nessuno.
• Use niente for things, nessuno for people, and mai for ‘never.’
• When nessuno is the subject before the verb, leave out non: Nessuno risponde.

Examples

• Non ho comprato niente. — I didn’t buy anything.
• Non conosco nessuno qui. — I don’t know anyone here.
• Non vado mai al cinema il lunedì. — I never go to the movies on Mondays.
• Nessuno risponde al telefono. — Nobody is answering the phone.

Common mistake

❌ Ho comprato niente.

✅ Non ho comprato niente.

Unlike English ‘I bought nothing,’ Italian needs non before the verb when niente comes after it.

Remember

After the verb, a negative word usually goes with non; before the verb, nessuno does not need non.