What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of posso (I can/am able to), avere (to have) and questo (this).
Which one should you use?
You can use potrei avere questo? to mean "Could I have this?", which increases the level of politeness.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite or formal request, you can use Mi scusi, potrei avere questo? In informal settings, you might use Posso prendere questo? to ask "Can I take this?" or the very casual Mi dai questo? to mean "Can you give me this?"
How does it change in a sentence?
If the object you are referring to is a feminine noun, you must change questo to questa, resulting in posso avere questa? When referring to a specific masculine object already mentioned, you can use the suffix -lo attached to the shortened form of the verb avere (which becomes aver), creating posso averlo? to mean "can I have it?"
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'I am hungry', Italians use avere to say avere fame, which literally means 'to have hunger'.
- In an Italian shop, it is more common to ask Posso dare un'occhiata? ('Can I take a look?') rather than asking for the object itself right away.
- The word questo is a hybrid formed from the Latin eccum, used for pointing, and iste, which meant 'that'.
Examples in context
- Posso prendere questo anello?Can I take this ring?
- Scusa, posso avere questo?Excuse me, can I have this?
Example conversation
Martina is at a bakery looking at a pastry.
- MartinaPosso avere questo?Can I have this?
- LorenzoCerto, Martina. Vuoi altro?Sure, Martina. Do you want anything else?
- MartinaNo, solo questo, grazie.No, just this, thank you.
- LorenzoEcco a te, Lorenzo ti aspetta fuori.Here you go, Lorenzo is waiting for you outside.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avere, questo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
