Definition
To understand something or someone; to grasp the meaning of an idea or situation.
Example
Non capisco perché sei arrabbiato con me.
Show translation
I don't understand why you are angry with me.
Etymology
From Latin *capere* ("to take, seize, grasp"), via the extended form *capīre*. The metaphor of "seizing" an idea mentally is ancient and shared across Romance languages — compare French *comprendre* and Spanish *entender*, which also draw on physical-grasp imagery.
Cultural note
*Capito?* ("Got it? / Understood?") is one of the most common conversational checks in Italian, used by teachers, parents, and friends alike. A simple *sì, ho capito* ("yes, I got it") or *no, non ho capito* ("no, I didn't get it") is all you need to reply. Beginners should not confuse *capire* with *sapere* ("to know a fact") — *capisco l'italiano* means you understand the language as you hear/read it, while *so l'italiano* means you know it as a skill.