Italian Phrase
Non mi va.
Meaning
Literally 'It doesn't go to me', this idiomatic phrase means 'I don't feel like it' or 'I'm not up for it'. It expresses a lack of desire or willingness to do something.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to politely decline an invitation, activity, or suggestion because you’re not in the mood or don’t want to do it.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nonmiva
Negation with 'non'
'Non' is placed before the verb to make the statement negative.
Indirect object pronoun 'mi'
'Mi' is the first person singular indirect object pronoun, meaning 'to me' or 'for me'.
Verb 'andare' used idiomatically
In this expression, 'va' (from 'andare') means 'to feel like' or 'to be up to', not the literal 'to go'.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi venire al cinema stasera?
Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
Non mi va, grazie.
I’m not up for it, thanks.
✕Common Mistakes
Non mi vado.
Mixes up the verb 'andare' with the reflexive form; the correct idiom uses 'va' without a reflexive pronoun.
Non mi va a.
Adding 'a' is unnecessary; the idiom ends with the verb alone.
Non mi va fare.
The infinitive should follow 'di', as in 'Non mi va di fare...'.
↔Alternatives
Non ho voglia.
I don't feel like it.
Non mi va di farlo.
I don't feel like doing it.
Non mi interessa.
I'm not interested.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, using 'Non mi va' is a casual, friendly way to decline. It’s softer than a flat 'No' and shows you’re not rejecting the person, just the activity. In formal settings you might opt for 'Mi dispiace, ma non posso' (I’m sorry, but I can’t).