per favore, posso avere
The English phrase "can I please have" is translated into Italian as per favore, posso avere.
This phrase is a polite way to ask for something you want to receive or buy. While posso avere is grammatically correct, Italians more commonly use Vorrei… (I would like…) to politely request items in shops or restaurants.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of per favore (please) and posso avere (can I have).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase posso avere, the verb posso is the first-person singular present indicative of potere (to be able to/can).
Did you know?
- Italian uses the verb avere to describe age, whereas English uses 'to be'. To say 'I am twenty years old', an Italian says ho vent'anni, meaning 'I have twenty years'.
- If you use posso avere in a restaurant, you might sound more like a student asking a teacher for permission than a customer making an order.
- If you are asking for a specific quantity of something, like 'a glass of water', Italians often omit the verb 'have' and use Prendo… (I take…) instead.
Examples in context
- Posso avere per favore un cappuccino?Can I please have a cappuccino?
- Mi può dare il menu, per favore?Can you give me the menu, please?
- Posso avere un bicchiere d'acqua?Can I have a glass of water?
- Per favore, posso avere un bicchiere d'acqua?Can I please have a glass of water?
- Per favore, posso avere il conto?Can I please have the bill?
- Per favore, posso avere un po' di zucchero?Can I please have a little bit of sugar?
Example conversation
Sofia is ordering a coffee at a cafe from Francesco.
- SofiaBuongiorno, per favore, posso avere un cappuccino?Good morning, can I please have a cappuccino?
- FrancescoCertamente, Sofia. Desideri altro?Certainly, Sofia. Would you like anything else?
- SofiaSì, per favore, posso avere anche un cornetto?Yes, can I please also have a croissant?
- FrancescoSì, arrivano subito.Yes, they will be right here.
