How to say “can’t help doing”: Italian grammar lesson 240

In this grammar note, we will explore how to express the concept of can’t help doing in Italian. While there is no direct translation for this expression, there are two useful alternatives: non potere non and non potere fare a meno di.

These expressions convey the idea that we are unable to refrain from doing something, even though we are aware it may not be beneficial. To use these expressions, we need to conjugate the verb potere (to be able to) in the present tense.

Let’s learn how to use them correctly!

Start here

You’ll receive my free resources together with my best offers! Opt out at any time.

Create a free lifetime account to get access to all the free lesson and other resources.

I’ll take you to your shiny new student dashboard.

Summary

In this article, students will learn about how to express the concept of can't help doing in Italian. While there is no direct translation for this expression, the article presents two useful alternatives: non potere non and non potere fare a meno di. These expressions convey the idea that one is unable to refrain from doing something despite knowing it may not be ideal.

The article provides examples to illustrate their usage because to employ these expressions, one needs to know how to conjugate the verb potere (to be able to) in the present tense. The article then explains that the structure for expressing can't help doing in Italian is non + conjugated form of potere + non + verb in the infinitive. Another structure mentioned is non + conjugated form of potere + fare a meno di + verb in the infinitive. The expression fare a meno di is introduced, meaning to do without or to manage without.

How to say can’t help doing in Italian?

Can’t help doing is a way of saying that we don’t want to do a particular thing because we know it’s not good, but we can’t stop ourselves from doing it.

In Italian, there’s no direct translation for this useful expression. But there are two useful expressions for expressing can’t help doing in Italian.

You’ll understand them better in context, but for now, have a look at them on their own:

  1. Non potere non
  2. Non potere fare a meno di

Here are some examples:

Non posso non pensare che sarà peggio.

I can’t help thinking it’ll be worse.
Literally: I can not think it’ll be worse.

Non posso fare a meno di pensare a lei.

I can’t help thinking of her.
Literally: I can’t do without thinking of her.

To use these expressions, you need to know how to conjugate the verb potere in the present tense:

Here’s its conjugation:

io posso
tu puoi
lui / lei può
noi può
voi possiamo
loro possono

How to say cant help it in Italian

How to use non posso non?

In Italian we use this structure for expressing can’t help doing: non + conjugated form of the verb potere + non + verb in the infinitive.

Let’s have a look at some examples:

Non posso non pensare che sia colpa mia!

I can’t help thinking it’s my fault!

Non possiamo non venire con te!

We can’t help coming with you!

Non posso non mangiare questa torta!

I can’t help eating this cake!

As we showed you above, the literal translation of non potere non would be “cannot not”, as in I cannot not eat this cake!

Here’s another structure: non + conjugated form of potere + fare a meno di + verb in the infinitive.

Non posso fare a meno di chiedere.

I can’t help asking.

Non possiamo fare a meno di provare pietà per lei.

We can’t help feeling sorry for her

What does fare a meno di mean

What does fare a meno di mean in Italian?

 Fare a meno di means:

  • To manage without and accept the lack of
  • To do without and accept the lack of

To put it simply, fare a meno di means to do without. We can also say fare a meno di + something or someone.

Free Guide
How to Learn Languages Fast

Also, instead of di, we can say del, della, dell’, dei, delle, and degli depending on what we’re referring to.

Here’re some examples:

Dovresti imparare a fare a meno di lui.

You should learn how to do without him.

Non posso fare a meno dei miei occhiali.

I can’t do without my glasses.

Cant help doing in Italian

Still translating in your head? Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano's courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!

FAQs on How to say “can’t help doing”: Italian grammar lesson 240

How to say can’t help doing in Italian?

In Italian, there’s no direct translation for this expression. But "non potere non" and "non potere fare a meno di" are two sentences used for conveying the same meaning.

How to use "non posso non"?

By using "non" + conjugated form of the verb "potere" + "non" + verb in infinitive or by using "non" + conjugated form of "potere" + "fare a meno di" + verb in infinitive.

What does "fare a meno di mean"?

It means to do without. We can use it by adding "fare a meno di" + something or someone. Also, instead of di, we can say del, della, dell’, dei, delle, and degli depending on what we’re referring to.

Stefano

Italian language tutor, course author, and polyglot. After learning 12 languages, I can tell you that we all master languages by listening and mimicking. With my method, you'll be speaking Italian from Lesson 1.

Follow me to fluency​

Receive my free resources once a week together with my best offers! 

Create a free lifetime account to get access to all the free lesson and other resources.

I’ll take you to your shiny new student dashboard.

2 Responses

  1. Lesson 240 Non poteva non sapera

    I stumble a little with this expressions because it seems to create double negative sentences. Will have to practice with it. We do make such double negatives in English as well.

    1. Ciao @donaldbell09@gmail.com!

      Usually, in Italian, the double negatives are present in common negative expressions.

      If you need a selection of them, please let us know.

Leave a Reply

Share:

Read more about Italian grammar lessons

Still translating in your head?

Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano’s courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!
[mwai_chatbot_v2 id="support"]
Try my courses for free​
stefano thinkinitalian (3) s
How long to fluency?

Find out how long it will take you to master Italian!
Get on the right track in 3 minutes.

dolce vita logo

We're already friends!

Coming from Luca and Marina?
Here's a special deal for you!
Just tell me where I should send the coupon.

50% OFF
all language resources

We're already friends!

Coming from All Language Resources?
Here's a special deal for you!
Just tell me where I should send the coupon.

50% OFF
GRAB A COUPON NOW, REDEEM IT LATER
50% OFF

To receive free resources once a week together with my best offers, just tell me where to send everything. Opt out at any time.

Create a free lifetime account to get access to all the free lesson and other resources.

I’ll take you to your shiny new student dashboard.