FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesReturning ItemsNon mi va bene.
A2informal

Non mi va bene.

It doesn't suit me / It doesn't fit me.

Pronunciation

Flowing phrase — say it smoothly: non-mi-va-BE-ne.

When to use it

Use when clothes do not fit well or an item is not right for you, without specifying a defect. Good for size or style issues. Less formal than 'non è della taglia giusta'.

What it means

'Andare bene' literally means 'to go well' but in Italian it means 'to suit', 'to be right', or 'to fit'. The indirect pronoun 'mi' (to me) personalises it. This is one of the most versatile expressions in everyday Italian.

Variations

Non è della mia taglia.

It's not my size.

More specific — about size.

Non mi piace come sta.

I don't like how it looks on me.

About the look, not the fit.

Non è quello che cercavo.

It's not what I was looking for.

Vague but polite — implies a change of mind.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Ho comprato questa camicia ieri ma non mi va bene. Commessa: Vuole cambiare taglia o preferisce un altro modello? Cliente: Vorrei provarne una più grande. Commessa: Certo, che taglia porta?

Customer: I bought this shirt yesterday but it doesn't suit me. Assistant: Would you like a different size or a different model? Customer: I'd like to try a bigger one. Assistant: Of course, what size do you take?

Cultural Note

Italian shops often prefer offering an exchange (cambio) over a cash refund, especially for clothing. Knowing your exact Italian size before shopping saves much back-and-forth.