capisci
/kaˈpiʃ.ʃi/
The English phrase "capeesh" can be expressed in Italian as capisci.
capisci is an informal way to ask if someone understands what has been said. While the English "capeesh" is often used as a single-word question, the Italian forms Capito?, meaning "Got it?" and Hai capito?, meaning "Did you understand?", serve similar informal functions.
Which one should you use?
In Italian, the form you choose depends on the person you are addressing and the level of respect required. Use capisci when speaking to a single person in an informal setting. If you need to address a stranger or a superior to show respect, use the formal version capisce, which means "he/she understands" or serves as the formal "you" (Lei).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /kaˈpiʃ.ʃi/.
Did you know?
- The English 'capeesh' is a phonetic approximation of capisci, but it is heavily influenced by the way Italian-American communities spoke in early 20th century cinema.
- While capisci means 'you understand', the Italian word for 'understand' is related to the Latin word for 'seize' or 'take', as if the mind is physically grabbing an idea.
- In Italian, asking capisci? can sometimes be perceived as aggressive or condescending, implying the listener is slow to understand.
Examples in context
- Non capisci quello che dico?Don't you understand what I'm saying?
- Capisci il problema, vero?You understand the problem, right?
- Se non capisci, posso ripetere.If you don't understand, I can repeat.
Example conversation
Giulia is explaining a complicated recipe to Matteo in the kitchen.
- GiuliaDevi aggiungere il sale solo alla fine, capisci?You have to add the salt only at the end, understand?
- MatteoSì, ho capito perfettamente.Yes, I understood perfectly.
- GiuliaOttimo, allora possiamo iniziare a cucinare.Great, then we can start cooking.
- MatteoCerto, sono pronto.Sure, I am ready.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry capisci, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
