Italian · Everyday Verbs
"can (to be able to)" in Italian: potere
potere
Note: to know how to: sapere
Can or to be able to in Italian is potere (poh-TEH-reh). Present forms: posso, puoi, può, possiamo, potete, possono. Sapere means to know how, not general ability or permission.
Asking permission
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How to pronounce potere
Say it
poh-TEH-reh
/poˈte.re/
Potere stresses TEH: poh-TEH-reh. Posso is POS-soh. Puoi is a quick PWOY. Può is PWO.
"can (to be able to)" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| potere | to be able to / can Ability or permission. | Ability or permission. |
| posso / puoi / può | I can / you can / he-she can Irregular singular present. | Irregular singular present. |
| possiamo | we can Group ability or suggestion. | Group ability or suggestion. |
| non posso | I can't Refusal or impossibility. | Refusal or impossibility. |
How to use potere in real life
- 1Asking permission
Posso aprire la finestra?
Can I open the window?
Posso + infinitive.
- 2Checking a friend
Puoi venire alle otto?
Can you come at eight?
Puoi informal tu.
- 3Group plan
Possiamo prendere il tram qui.
We can take the tram here.
Possiamo.
Mistakes English speakers make with potere
Incorrect: So nuotare (when you mean ability as potere).
Correct: Posso nuotare. / So nuotare for know-how.
Potere is can/be allowed; sapere is know how.
Incorrect: Io potere andare.
Correct: Posso andare.
Conjugate: posso, not io potere.
Good to know
Puoi…? is the friendly way to ask a favor with tu. In shops you will also hear può…? with formal lei. Posso? alone can mean may I? when the action is obvious.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Arranging a ride
ChatPal
Puoi passarmi a prendere?
Can you pick me up?
You
Posso dopo le sette, non prima.
I can after seven, not before.
ChatPal
Ok. Possiamo uscire verso le sette e mezza.
Ok. We can leave around seven thirty.
You
Perfetto. Così puoi evitare il traffico.
Perfect. That way you can avoid the traffic.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"can (to be able to)" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "can (to be able to)" in Italian
Potere or sapere?
Potere for can/be allowed; sapere for know how.
How do I say I can't?
Non posso.
Formal you can?
Può with lei.
Past I could?
Potevo or sono potuto/a + andare with motion verbs.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
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- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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