sai
/ˈsaj/
The English phrase "you know" can be translated into Italian as sai.
sai is used as an expression signifying a pause or hesitation. When used as a filler in written transcription, it is often followed by a comma to indicate a pause, such as sai.
Meaning: expression signifying a pause or hesitation (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on who you are addressing. While sai is used for a single person, you should use sapete when addressing more than one person (you plural).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsaj/
Did you know?
- In spontaneous speech, sai is often paired with a specific hand gesture, such as pinching the fingers together and moving the hand up and down.
- In formal settings, sai is replaced by sa, the third-person singular form, to maintain the polite 'Lei' distance.
- The phrase sai com'è is a common idiomatic expansion that means 'you know how it is', often used to excuse a behavior or explain a situation without giving details.
Examples in context
- Tu sai chi è?Do you know who she is?This sentence shows how to use sai to ask if someone knows a person.Tatoeba #2477429 by Guybrush88, translation #308085 by CK
- Sai di chi è?Do you know whose it is?This sentence shows how to use sai to ask about ownership.Tatoeba #6142791 by Guybrush88, translation #6102177 by CarpeLanam
- Sai chi è lei.You know who she is.This sentence shows how to use sai to state that someone knows a person.Tatoeba #3876905 by Guybrush88, translation #1828604 by Amastan
- Sai che domani c'è una festa?You know there's a party tomorrow?
- Come ben sa, la nostra azienda ha raggiunto importanti traguardi quest'anno.As you know well, our company has achieved significant milestones this year.
- Sai, anche io sogno di visitare luoghi così!You know, I also dream of visiting such places!
- 1020 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are discussing their weekend plans.
- GiuliaNon sono sicura, sai, se domani pioverà.I'm not sure, you know, if it will rain tomorrow.
- LorenzoBeh, non importa se piove.Well, it doesn't matter if it rains.
- GiuliaSì, ma vorrei andare al parco.Yes, but I would like to go to the park.
- LorenzoAllora aspettiamo un attimo per vedere.Then let's wait a moment to see.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
