Italian Phrase
Non si accende per niente.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe a device or piece of machinery that is completely unresponsive to power commands. The addition of 'per niente' emphasizes the total lack of activity, indicating that not even a light or a sound is produced.
When to use
Use this expression when troubleshooting electronics like smartphones, computers, or kitchen appliances. It is the standard way to report a hardware failure to a technician or a friend.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nonsiaccendeper niente
Si accende
This is the reflexive form of 'accendere'. It is used intransitively here to mean 'to power up' or 'to turn on'.
Per niente
An adverbial phrase meaning 'at all'. It always follows a negation like 'non' to strengthen the statement.
🗨In Conversation
Hai provato a premere il tasto di avvio?
Did you try pressing the start button?
Sì, ma non si accende per niente.
Yes, but it doesn't turn on at all.
✕Common Mistakes
Non accende per niente.
In Italian, you must use the reflexive 'si accende' when the device is the subject that fails to start up.
Non si accende per nulla.
While 'per nulla' is grammatically correct, 'per niente' is much more common in spoken Italian for this specific context.
↔Alternatives
Non parte proprio.
It won't start at all.
È completamente morto.
It is completely dead.
Cultural Tip
Italians often use emphatic fillers to express frustration with technology. Phrases like 'per niente' or 'proprio' are essential for sounding natural when something isn't working as expected. In professional repair shops, you might also hear 'non dà segni di vita' (it shows no signs of life).