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How to Say ‘Not my number, sorry.’ in Italian

Il numero no, scusa.

eel NOO-meh-roh no SKOO-zah

[eel NOO-meh-roh no SKOO-zah]

🇮🇹 In Italy: This is a polite partial no that often leaves the door open, so it is a cue to offer social media instead rather than to push for the number.

Phrase Breakdown

Il numero no,

eel NOO-meh-roh no

Not the number,

This is a gentle refusal. Say 'no' with a slight emphasis.

Example

Il numero no, ma la mail sì.

Not the number, but the email yes.

Words in this phrase

[eel]

the

Masculine singular definite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Nella frase Il tempo personale, Il introduce il concetto di tempo privato.

In the phrase 'Il tempo personale,' 'Il' introduces the concept of private time.

numero

[NOO-meh-roh]

number

A count or figure, e.g. of people.

Example

Qual è il numero di ospiti?

What is the number of guests?

[no]

Used to give a negative response.

Example

No, grazie.

No, thank you.

scusa.

SKOO-zah

sorry.

This is the informal 'sorry'. Stress: SCÙ-sa.

Example

Non posso, scusa.

I can't, sorry.

Words in this phrase

scusa

[SKOO-zah]

sorry

Feeling regret or penitence.

Example

Devo dire scusa per il ritardo.

I must say sorry for the delay.

Guides for Italian learners

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