ho capito
The Italian phrase for "I got it" is ho capito.
ho capito is used to show that you understand something that has been explained.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the auxiliary verb avere (to have) and the past participle of capire (to understand), literally meaning "I have understood".
Which one should you use?
While Ho capito means 'I understood/I got it', using Ho capito! with a sharp, falling intonation can sometimes sound dismissive, similar to saying 'I get it!' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
In very informal speech, Italians often drop the auxiliary verb and simply say Capito? to mean "Got it?" or "Understood?"
Did you know?
- While ho capito means 'I got it', the word capire shares a root with 'caput', the Latin word for 'head'. To understand something is literally to 'grasp it with the head'.
- If you want to say 'I get it' in a more casual, slangy way, you might use ci sono arrivato, which literally translates to 'I arrived at it'.
- In Italian, you can express that you have finally 'got it' or had an epiphany by saying mi è scattato qualcosa, which literally means 'something clicked'.
Examples in context
- Ho capito.I got it.This sentence shows the basic use of ho capito.Tatoeba #1313546 by Guybrush88, translation #433472 by CK
- Oh, l'ho capito.Oh, I got it.This sentence shows how to use ho capito in a sentence with an object.Tatoeba #4352228 by Guybrush88, translation #2529840 by gleki
- Capisco perfettamente le sue indicazioniI completely understand your instructions.
- Capito, grazie! Sono pronto a giocareGot it, thanks! I'm ready to play.
- Sì, ho capito cosa devi fare.Yes, I got what you need to do.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro is explaining a rule to Giulia.
- AlessandroDevi premere questo tasto prima.You have to press this button first.
- GiuliaAh, ho capito!Ah, I got it!
- AlessandroEsatto, poi puoi iniziare.Exactly, then you can start.
- GiuliaGrazie per l'aiuto, Alessandro.Thanks for the help, Alessandro.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
