A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "That's interesting" in Italian
Use this phrase to show polite engagement in conversation when you want to acknowledge something someone has just shared with you.
È interessante.
eh-een-teh-reh-SSAN-tehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when a local tells you a fact about their town or a story about their work. It is a perfect way to keep the conversation flowing without needing to offer a complex opinion of your own.
Alternatives
- Molto interessante.Use this when you want to sound more enthusiastic.
- Interessante, davvero.Use this to emphasize that you genuinely find the topic surprising.
- Capisco.Use this if you want to sound more neutral or contemplative.
Ways to get it wrong
The double S
Make sure to hold the 'ss' sound in 'interessante' slightly longer than a single 's' to sound natural.
Avoid 'interessato'
Do not say 'sono interessato' unless you mean 'I am interested' as a person; use 'interessante' for the topic itself.
A small cultural note
Italians often use this phrase as a polite bridge. If someone says it with a flat tone, they might be signaling that they are ready to move on to a new topic.
Frequently asked
How do I sound more natural when saying this?
Add a slight nod of your head and a small smile while you speak. Italians value non-verbal cues just as much as the words themselves.
Can I use this phrase in a business meeting?
Yes, it is perfectly professional for a workplace setting. It shows you are listening without committing to a specific stance.
What should I say if I don't actually find it interesting?
You can simply say 'Capisco' (I understand) or 'Ah, ho capito' (Ah, I see). These are polite ways to acknowledge information without feigning excitement.
