What is mi sa che in Italian?
Like other informal expressions, mi sa che doesn’t have exact equivalents in other languages. In fact, there is no literal translation for this construction.
We only use it with mi (for “I”).
Have a look at these examples:
Mi sa che non vengono.
I think they’re not coming.
Mi sa che vuole invitarvi a cena.
I think she wants to invite you over for dinner.
What does mi sa che mean?
Even though there’s no literal translation for mi sa che, we’re going to explain what it means so that you understand how we use it.
In this construction, sa comes from the verb sapere, which means to know but also to taste or smell.
When we say mi sa che, we’re literally saying, “it tastes or smells to me like…”. Very poetic, right?
We use it to say something along the lines of I have the feeling or impression that.
In other words, mi sa che basically means mi sembra che (it seems to me that) or just penso or credo che (I think that or I believe that).
But remember, it’s quite informal and colloquial.
How to use mi sa di sì, mi sa di no?
We can also use a similar construction to answer a yes or no question. In this case, instead of che, we use di right before sì or no. There are two options.
Here they are:
- Mi sa di sì (I think so)
- Mi sa di no (I don’t think so)
Have a look at the example:
A: Venite stasera?
B: Mi sa di no.
A: Are you coming tonight?
B: I don’t think so.
A: Ha passato l’esame?
B: Mi sa di sì.
A: Did she pass the exam?
B: I think so.
Mi sa che: examples
Now, let’s have a look at some more examples. Remember, in terms of translations, there are different options.
All of them are fine, but some fit better than others.
Mi sa che non vengo.
I think I’m not coming.
Mi sa che stanno studiando.
I have the feeling they’re studying.
Mi sa che mangio fuori stasera.
I think I’m eating out tonight.
Mi sa che è arrabbiata con me.
I have the impression she’s angry at me.
4 Responses
Thanks so much Stefano – I love your classes and do them everyday, but I’m on the go also, so the printed word helps me too.
Va bene. Ti dirò quando è pronto. 🙂
The “print” feature is not activated. Could you please activate it or do I need to pay more money for it to be activated.
Thank You,
Mark
You’re right Mark! I had to remove the feature due to technical issues. I’ll put it back soon.
Thank you for asking! 🙂