possiamo avere
The English phrase "can we have" is translated into Italian as possiamo avere.
This phrase is a polite way to ask for something or request a service. It is commonly used in settings such as restaurants or shops when asking for items like a menu, a bill or specific products.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person plural present indicative of potere (can/to be able to) and the infinitive avere (to have), literally meaning "we can have".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, questions are formed by using the same word order as a statement but with rising intonation at the end of the sentence.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the verb avere is used for several physical sensations that English describes with 'to be'. For example, you use avere to say you 'have' hunger, thirst or sleep.
- The word possiamo comes from potere, which is a cognate of the English word 'potent'. Both describe the concept of having the power or ability to do something.
- While possiamo avere is grammatically correct, it can sound slightly unnatural or like a direct translation from English. To sound more like a native speaker, Italians often use the verb volere, meaning 'to want', such as in vorremmo (we would want).
Examples in context
- Lo possiamo avere ora?Can we have it now?This sentence shows how to ask if you can have something immediately using possiamo avere.Tatoeba #5262278 by Guybrush88, translation #2648158 by CK
- Possiamo avere un momento da soli?Can we have a moment alone?This sentence demonstrates asking for a moment of privacy using possiamo avere.Tatoeba #5646863 by Guybrush88, translation #1862549 by Spamster
- Possiamo avere un po' di privacy, per favore?Can we have some privacy, please?This sentence is useful for requesting privacy politely with possiamo avere.Tatoeba #3653973 by Guybrush88, translation #2951569 by CK
- Possiamo avere un caffè prima di partire?Can we have a coffee before leaving?
- Possiamo prendere una pizza?Can we order a pizza?
- Signore, possiamo avere il conto, per favore?Sir, can we have the bill, please?
- Amici, possiamo prendere una pausa di cinque minuti?Friends, can we take a five-minute break?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A waiter approaches a table at a cafe.
- LorenzoPossiamo avere il menu, per favore?Can we have the menu, please?
- GiuliaCertamente, eccolo qui.Certainly, here it is.
- LorenzoGrazie mille.Thank you very much.
- GiuliaPrego, Lorenzo.You're welcome, Lorenzo.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
