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non

not

adverb non Common
Grammar & Structure Negation

Usage Note

Non is the standard Italian negation adverb and always precedes the verb or auxiliary — non parlo italiano (I don't speak Italian). Unlike French, Italian uses non alone for most negations; double negatives with words like niente (nothing) or nessuno (nobody) are standard and not considered substandard: non vedo nessuno (I don't see anyone). There is no equivalent of English 'do-support'.

Examples

"Non capisco questa parola."

Natural Translation

I don't understand this word.

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