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How to Say ‘Oh, you shouldn't have!’ in Italian

Ma non dovevi!

mah nohn doh-VEH-vee

[mah nohn doh-VEH-vee]

🇮🇹 In Italy: This little protest is the expected first reaction to a gift in Italy. Saying it is warm and polite, and nobody takes it literally.

Phrase Breakdown

[mah]

But

Used to introduce a contrasting statement or question.

Example

Ma non capisco perché ma allora lei è felice.

But I don't understand why but then she is happy.

non

[nohn]

not

This word negates the verb that follows it.

Example

Non c'é nessuno.

There is no one.

dovevi

[doh-VEH-vee]

you should have / had to

Imperfect of 'dovere'; with 'non' it means 'you shouldn't have'.

Example

Non dovevi comprarlo.

You shouldn't have bought it.

Guides for Italian learners

Duolingo vs Busuu: Which Is Better for Actually Improving?Duolingo vs Busuu compared: a free gamified habit versus structured levels with corrections from native speakers. Which to choose, and when to use both.

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