boh
[ˈbo]
The English phrase 'idk' (I don't know) can be translated into Italian as boh.
Boh is an informal abbreviation used to say that the speaker does not know the answer to something.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Boh is an informal term. If you want to be neutral, you can use non lo so. In formal situations, you can use Non sono al corrente (I am not aware) or Mi dispiace, non ho la risposta (I'm sorry, I don't have the answer). For an informal way to say you have no idea, you can also use Non ne ho idea.
Did you know?
- The word boh is an onomatopoeic expression that mimics the sound of a grunt or a sigh of uncertainty.
- When saying boh, Italians often pair the word with a physical shrug and a specific facial expression of uncertainty to complete the meaning.
- In written digital communication, Italians may stretch the word to boooooh to indicate that the answer is completely unknowable or that they are deeply confused.
Examples in context
- Se po fa? / bohIs it allowed? / idkThis example shows how to use boh to respond to a question about whether something is allowed.
- Scusi, non lo so.Excuse me, I don't know.
- Boh, non ne ho idea.IDK, I have no idea.
- Boh, non ne ho la minima idea.Idk, I have no clue.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are discussing whether their friend is coming to the party.
- AlessandroSai se Marco viene alla festa?Do you know if Marco is coming to the party?
- ChiaraBoh, non l'ho sentito oggi.Idk, I haven't heard from him today.
- AlessandroMagari puoi scrivergli un messaggio.Maybe you can text him.
- ChiaraSì, lo faccio subito.Yes, I'll do it right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry boh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
