🤔😅👤

How to Say ‘I thought it was just me!’ in Italian

Pensavo fossi solo io!

pen-SAH-voh FOHS-see SOH-loh ee-o

[pen-SAH-voh FOHS-see SOH-loh ee-o]

💬 Usage Tip: After pensavo "I thought", Italian uses a special verb form: fossi, not eri "you were/it was". The same thing happens with other doubt words: credevo fossi "I believed it was".

Phrase Breakdown

Pensavo fossi

pen-SAH-voh FOHS-see

I thought it was

'Pensavo' (imperfect) is followed by the subjunctive 'fossi'. Double 's' in 'fossi': hold it slightly.

Example

Pensavo fossi a casa.

I thought you were at home.

Words in this phrase

Pensavo

[pen-SAH-voh]

I thought

Imperfect tense of 'pensare'; used for what you were thinking.

Example

Per un attimo Pensavo che fosse gol.

For a moment I thought it was a goal.

fossi

[FOHS-see]

you were

Subjunctive of 'essere' for 'tu', used after verbs of thinking.

Example

Pensavo fossi a casa.

I thought you were at home.

solo io!

SOH-loh ee-o

just me!

'Solo' means 'only' and 'io' means 'I'. Say 'io' as two syllables: 'EE-o'.

Example

Lo sapevo solo io.

Only I knew it.

Words in this phrase

solo

[SOH-loh]

only / just

Used to limit the amount or number of something.

Example

Solo mezzo chilo, grazie.

Just half a kilo, thanks.

[ee-o]

Referring to oneself as a subject.

Example

Io voglio migliorare il mio punteggio.

I want to improve my score.

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.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Spent the summer in Tuscany researching Italian cuisine. Being able to chat with nonnas at the market about recipes? Absolutely priceless.”

Grace P., 34, Food Writer

“Working on a project in Milan and needed professional Italian fast. The business roleplays gave me the confidence to present to clients within a month.”

Daniel F., 45, Architect

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer