Italian Phrase
Capisci il ruolo?
Meaning
Literally ‘Do you understand the role?’, this sentence checks whether the listener has grasped the responsibilities or part that has just been explained. It can refer to a job position, a character in a play, a function in a team, or any defined task.
When to use
Use it right after you have described duties, a character’s part, or a specific function. It works well in informal work meetings, rehearsals, sports briefings, or classroom role‑play activities. In a formal setting switch to ‘Capisce il ruolo?’ or ‘Ha capito il ruolo?’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Capisciilruolo?
Capisci (present of capire)
‘Capisci’ is the second‑person singular present indicative of ‘capire’ (to understand). It ends in -i, which is typical for regular -ire verbs.
il (definite article)
‘il’ is the masculine singular definite article used before consonant‑initial nouns like ‘ruolo’.
ruolo (masculine noun)
‘ruolo’ means ‘role, function, part’. It is masculine, so it takes ‘il’ and the plural is ‘i ruoli’.
Question mark
In spoken Italian the intonation rises at the end; the written ‘?’ signals a yes/no question.
🗨In Conversation
Il tuo compito è gestire le relazioni con i fornitori e tenere traccia delle scadenze.
Your task is to manage supplier relationships and keep track of deadlines.
Capisco il ruolo, ma ho qualche dubbio sui report mensili.
I understand the role, but I have some doubts about the monthly reports.
✕Common Mistakes
Capisci la ruolo?
‘Ruolo’ is masculine, so the correct article is ‘il’.
Capisci il ruole?
The noun does not change; the correct form is ‘ruolo’.
Capisci il ruolo?
When speaking to someone you should address formally, replace ‘Capisci’ with ‘Capisce’ or use the past tense ‘Ha capito’.
↔Alternatives
Hai capito il ruolo?
Did you understand the role?
Comprendi il ruolo?
Do you comprehend the role?
Capisci qual è il tuo ruolo?
Do you understand what your role is?
Capisce il ruolo?
Do you (formal) understand the role?
Cultural Tip
‘Capisci?’ is informal and common among peers, friends, or in a relaxed workplace. In a formal context—talking to a manager, a client, or an elder—use the formal second‑person ‘Capisce?’ or the past‑tense ‘Ha capito il ruolo?’ to show respect. Also remember that ‘ruolo’ can refer to a theatrical part, so the same phrase is useful in drama classes or rehearsals.