nozione

notion

noun noht-SYOH-neh Rare

Origin: From Latin notio (concept, idea), from noscere (to know).

Also means

basic idea; concept

Usage Note

Nozione often appears in the plural nozioni to mean 'basics' or 'rudiments': avere le nozioni di base di informatica (to have basic computing knowledge). In the singular it can mean a single concept or notion. A false friend warning: the English 'notion' can mean a vague whim, but Italian nozione is more intellectual and does not carry that casual sense — use idea or capriccio for a whim.

Examples

"Ha solo nozioni di base di grammatica italiana."

Natural Translation

She has only a basic knowledge of Italian grammar.

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