How to use “Sapere se” in Italian?
Meaning and Structure
As simple as it is, the Italian expression sapere se means “to know if”. Just like in English, its negative counterpart non so se is used to introduce a topic you are not sure about.
It is composed of the verb sapere (to know) conjugated in the verb tense based on when the subject is expressing their uncertainty, combined with non (not) and the conjunction se (if).
Non so se Sara viene alla festa stasera.
I do not know if Sara is coming to the part tonight.
Questo esame è difficile. Non so se riuscirò mai a passarlo.
This exam is hard. I do not know if I will ever pass it.
An important aspect to keep in mind is that these types of sentences are composed of an independent clause (with the verb sapere) and a subordinate clause (the other part of the sentence).
This structure makes these sentences syntactically complex, because the verb tense of the independent clause has huge repercussions on the verb tense of the subordinate one.
The Conjugation of “Sapere”
Sapere is an Italian modal verb, meaning it is irregular in most verb tenses.
Below, I will show you the three main verb tenses conjugation (presente, passato prossimo, futuro semplice), so you can either familiarize or do a fast recap:
| Subject | Presente | Passato Prossimo | Futuro Semplice |
|---|---|---|---|
| io | so | ho saputo | saprò |
| tu | sai | hai saputo | saprai |
| lui/lei | sa | ha saputo | saprà |
| noi | sappiamo | abbiamo saputo | sapremo |
| voi | sapete | avete saputo | saprete |
| loro | sanno | hanno saputo | sapranno |
Non Sapere se: Indicative vs Subjunctive?
Non Sapere se + Indicative
As you might know already, the indicative mood is used to express statements of fact, certainty, and objective reality. It is the most commonly used mood in Italian, covering present, past, and future actions that are seen as real or definite.
When sapere se is used with the indicative mood, it implies that the speaker is uncertain about a factual event or condition, but that the event is considered to be real or probable.
Let me show you some examples:
Non so se sono andati al cinema.
I don’t know if they went to the cinema.
Non sappiamo se vengono.
We don’t know if they’re coming.
Non so se funzionerà.
I don’t know if it’ll work.
Non Sapere se + Subjunctive
The subjunctive mood is used to express doubt, uncertainty, possibility, or hypothetical situations. It often appears in dependent clauses introduced by expressions of doubt, emotion, necessity, or possibility.
When sapere se is used with the subjunctive mood, it emphasizes the uncertainty, doubt, or hypothetical nature of the event.
Non so se sia possibile.
I don’t know if it’s possible.
Non so se parlasse sul serio.
I don’t know if she was speaking seriously.
Non sappiamo se Antonio abbia avuto il coraggio di parlare.
We don’t know if Antonio had the guts to talk.
Sapere se + Infinitive: Bonus
The main doubt about verb tenses always revolves around the choice between indicative and subjunctive. However, I must tell you that you can find this expression introducing a verb in the infinitive.
You can use the infinitive tense with this expression only if the subject of the sentence is the same in both clauses, as you can see in the sentences below:
Non so se venire stasera.
I don’t know whether to come tonight.
Non sappiamo se mangiare a casa o mangiare fuori.
We don’t know whether to eat in or out.
In both cases, the subject of the independent clause and the subordinate clause are the same.
How to use “Dire che” in Italian
Meaning and Structure
The Italian expression dire che means “to say/tell that”. It is used to introduce reported speech and it is composed of the verb dire (to say/tell) conjugated in the verb tense based on when the subject is reporting the statement, combined with the relative pronoun che (that).
Just like with sapere se, expression with dire che are composed of an independent clause (with the verb dire) and a subordinate clause (the other part of the sentence).
Dicono che il ristorante apre alle 12.
They say that the restaurant opens at 12.
Mi ha detto che verranno in treno.
He/she told me that they will come by train.
The Conjugation of “Dire”
Dire is an Italian irregular verb, meaning it does not follow regular conjugation patterns.
Below, I will show you the three main verb tenses conjugation (presente, passato prossimo, futuro semplice), so you can either familiarize or do a fast recap:
| Subject | Presente | Passato Prossimo | Futuro Semplice |
|---|---|---|---|
| io | dico | ho detto | dirò |
| tu | dici | hai detto | dirai |
| lui/lei | dice | ha detto | dirà |
| noi | diciamo | abbiamo detto | diremo |
| voi | dite | avete detto | direte |
| loro | dicono | hanno detto | diranno |
Dire che: Indicative vs Subjunctive?
Dire che + Indicative
You have to use the indicative mood after dire che when you are reporting statements of fact, certainty, or something considered real or definite.
Mi ha detto che Maria è a casa.
He/she told me that Maria is at home.
Dire che + Subjunctive
The subjunctive mood is used when expressing doubt, uncertainty, opinions, or hypothetical situations.
Dicono che sia il film migliore dell’anno.
They say that it is the best movie of the year.
