non sapevo che fosse

I didn't know that it was

→ non

phrase Uncommon #12,284

I didn't know that it was Used to express that the speaker was unaware of a past state or fact. Fosse is the imperfect subjunctive of essere; depending on context, the subject can also be he or she.

IT: Non sapevo che fosse così difficile.

EN: I didn't know it was so difficult.

Non sapevo che fosse quel tipo di ragazzo.

I didn't know he was that kind of guy.

— Parasite (2019)

Non sapevo che fosse cattivo, ma li ho presentati.

I didn’t know he was mean, but I introduced them.

— Material Love (2025)

Non sapevo che fosse formale.

I didn't know it was formal.

— La fiamma del peccato (1944)

Non sapevo che fosse americano.

I didn't know he was American.

— L'organo genocida (2017)

Non sapevo che fosse sposato, non porta mai la fede al dito.

I didn't know he was married, he never wears a wedding ring.

Cioè, non sapevo che fosse qui, in questo castello.

I mean, I didn't know he was here, in this castle.

— 28 anni dopo - Il tempio delle ossa (2026)

Scusa, non sapevo che fosse un segreto tra voi due.

Sorry, I didn't know it was a secret between you two.