indeciso
/in.deˈt͡ʃi.zo/
The English phrase 'undecided' is translated into Italian as indeciso.
The adjective indeciso is used to describe someone who is uncommitted or has not yet reached a decision.
Meaning: uncommitted, not having reached a decision (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed with the prefix in-, which functions as a negation similar to the English prefix 'un-'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Campania region, the phrase Sto ancora a penzà can be used to mean 'I'm still thinking.'
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the person being described, so use indecisa for a female. The adjective takes the form indecisi when describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group. The adjective takes the form indecise when describing a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /in.deˈtʃi.zo/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word decisione comes from the Latin decidere, which means 'to cut off'. To be indeciso is etymologically like refusing to 'cut off' the other available options.
- If someone is extremely indeciso, an Italian might call them una banderuola. This refers to a weather vane that spins whichever way the wind blows.
- While indeciso describes a lack of choice, Italians often use the phrase essere in bilico to mean 'to be undecided'. This literally translates to 'being in balance' or 'on the edge', imagining a person balancing on a thin ledge.
Examples in context
- Dice che è indeciso.He says he's undecided.This sentence is useful for showing how to say someone says they are undecided using indeciso.Tatoeba #8306621 by Guybrush88, translation #7405022 by CH
- Tom è ancora indeciso.Tom is still undecided.This sentence is useful for saying that Tom is still undecided using indeciso.Tatoeba #5753027 by Guybrush88, translation #5751932 by CM
- Io sono ancora indeciso.I'm undecided as of yet.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are still undecided as of yet using indeciso.Tatoeba #1864709 by Guybrush88, translation #562425 by CM
- Hai deciso quale progetto scegliere?Have you decided which project to choose?
- Non so ancora. Ho alcune idee, ma non riesco proprio a decidere.I don't know yet. I have some ideas, but I just can't decide.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are choosing a movie to watch.
- ChiaraMatteo, quale film guardiamo stasera?Matteo, which movie are we watching tonight?
- MatteoNon lo so, sono ancora indeciso.I don't know, I am still undecided.
- ChiaraAllora scegliamo un film d'azione?So, shall we choose an action movie?
- MatteoSì, mi sembra un'ottima idea.Yes, that sounds like a great idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry indeciso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
