Lo so
In Italian, "I know" is expressed as Lo so.
Lo so is used as an assertion that the speaker possesses an answer or an idea. You can emphasize your awareness of a situation or fact by adding bene to the end, creating Lo so bene (I know it well). To express the opposite, you can use Non lo so (I don't know).
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the direct object pronoun lo (it) and the first-person singular present indicative of sapere (to know).
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, where you can often omit the object, in Italian you must include the object pronoun lo (it) when using the verb to mean "I know it" or "I know this".
Did you know?
- The word sapere also means 'to taste'. This creates a linguistic link between knowing something and tasting it, suggesting that knowledge is a form of sensory experience.
- While Lo so means 'I know', if you want to say you are acquainted with a person or a place, you cannot use sapere. Instead, you must use the verb conoscere, as Lo so only applies to facts and information.
- Using Lo so can sometimes sound slightly blunt or dismissive in Italian, similar to saying 'I know already' in a sharp tone in English.
Examples in context
- Lo so chi è.I know who you are.This sentence shows how to use Lo so to identify someone.Tatoeba #4463727 by Guybrush88, translation #1520797 by Spamster
- Io lo so già.I know about this already.This sentence demonstrates using Lo so to express prior knowledge.Tatoeba #3283695 by Guybrush88, translation #2375844 by CK
- È lui. Lo so.He is the one. I know it.This sentence shows how Lo so can be used to confirm a fact.Tatoeba #3875862 by Guybrush88, translation #2740206 by Hybrid
- Io so che hai ragione.I know you're right.
- Sono consapevole delle implicazioni di questa decisione.I am aware of the implications of this decision.
- 691 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are discussing a surprise party.
- GiuliaDov'è il regalo per Marco?Where is the gift for Marco?
- MatteoLo so io, è in cucina.I know, it's in the kitchen.
- GiuliaDavvero? Non lo sapevo!Really? I didn't know!
- MatteoSì, lo so perché l'ho messo lì.Yes, I know because I put it there.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
