можно
mozhno
In Russian, можно (mozhno) is used to say 'can I have'.
You use this phrase to politely ask for permission to do something or to request an item. For example, you can say Можно мне заказать… to mean 'Can I order…'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word можно literally means 'it is possible' or 'it is permitted'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which uses a subject like 'I', the Russian можно is an impersonal construction where the subject is the concept of possibility itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using можно to mean 'can I have', you must use the dative case мне (to me) to indicate the recipient.
How do you pronounce it?
mozhno
When do people say it?
When you make a request starting with можно, a common one-word response to grant permission is simply repeating можно. If the request is denied, the speaker will use the direct antonym нельзя, which means 'it is forbidden'.
Did you know?
- The word можно is actually a loanword from Polish można.
- In Russian, you can use можно as a complete sentence to ask for permission to enter a room or join a conversation without adding any other words.
- In very informal settings, Russians may omit the dative мне and simply say можно when pointing at an object, turning the phrase into a functional gesture.
Examples in context
- Можно мне вон те?Can I have those?This sentence shows how to ask for 'those'.Tatoeba #12352044 by marafon, translation #12352048 by CM
- Можно мне вон ту?Can I have that one?This sentence shows how to ask for 'that one'.Tatoeba #12352056 by marafon, translation #12352061 by CM
- Можно мне те два?Can I have those two?Tatoeba #12352068 by marafon, translation #12352072 by CM
- Можно мне взять кусок пиццы?Can I have a slice of pizza?
- Можно мне взять твою книгу?Can I borrow your book?
- 127 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alexander is at a cafe and asks Ekaterina for the bill.
- Александр AleksandrЕкатерина, можно мне счет?Ekaterina, mozhno mne schet?Ekaterina, can I have the bill?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, Александр, сейчас принесу.Da, Aleksandr, seychas prinesu.Yes, Alexander, I'll bring it right away.
- Александр AleksandrСпасибо большое.Spasibo bol'shoye.Thank you very much.
- Екатерина EkaterinaНе за что.Ne za chto.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries можно, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
