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How to Say ‘I didn't know that.’ in Italian

Non lo sapevo.

non lo sah-PEH-voh

[non lo sah-PEH-voh]

💬 Usage Tip: Italian needs lo "it" here, where English can just say "I didn't know." sapevo is the past form used for an ongoing state of knowing.

Phrase Breakdown

Non

[non]

not

Used to create the expression 'do not go unnoticed'.

Example

Con quel fascino "non" puoi passare inosservato.

With that charm, you "can't" go unnoticed.

[lo]

Used to refer to an object or thing mentioned earlier.

Example

Lo vedo ogni giorno.

I see it every day.

sapevo

[sah-PEH-voh]

I knew

Imperfect of sapere, first person.

Example

Non sapevo la strada.

I didn't know the way.

Guides for Italian learners

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