si es posible
/si es posible/from spelling rules
The phrase 'if possible' in Spanish is translated as si es posible.
si es posible is used to indicate that something should be done only if it can be achieved or if it is convenient. You can place this phrase at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence without changing its core meaning.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'if it is possible', where si means 'if', es is the third-person singular of the verb 'ser' (to be) and posible means 'possible'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are expressing a hypothetical or highly unlikely condition, you can use the imperfect subjunctive si fuera posible instead of the indicative si es posible.
How do you pronounce it?
/si es posible/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, using si es posible in a request can be a polite way to avoid sounding demanding, acting as a social 'buffer' to soften the order.
- The word si for 'if' is identical in spelling to the word for 'yes', sí, except for the written accent mark.
- The word posible is built from a Latin root meaning 'power', suggesting that something is possible because one has the power or capacity to do it.
Examples in context
- Te ayudaré si es posible.I will help you if possible.This sentence shows how to use si es posible to express a conditional offer of help.Tatoeba #4324810 by pchamorro, translation #31000 by CK
- Ven el lunes, si es posible.Come on Monday if possible.This sentence demonstrates placing si es posible at the end of a request for a specific time.Tatoeba #7840217 by arh, translation #7839482 by CK
- Me gustaría ir a pescar, si es posible.I'd like to go fishing if possible.This sentence illustrates how to use the phrase when expressing a personal preference.Tatoeba #1626831 by teskmon, translation #266891 by CK
- Por favor, llámame mañana, si es posible.Please call me tomorrow, if possible.
- ¿Podrías enviarme el informe antes del viernes, si es posible?Could you send me the report before Friday, if possible?
- Necesitaríamos una respuesta a la solicitud, en caso de ser posible.We would need a response to the request, if possible.
- En caso de ser posible, preferiríamos concertar una reunión antes de tomar una decisión.If possible, we would prefer to arrange a meeting before making a decision.
- Si puedes, hazme el favor de recogerme después del trabajo.If you can, please pick me up after work.
- Quería preguntarte si, en caso de que puedas, podrías ayudarme con este asunto.I wanted to ask you if, if possible, you could help me with this matter.
- En caso de que puedas, ven antes de las 6:00.If you can, come before 6:00.
- En caso de que puedas, trae algunos documentos adicionales.If possible, bring some additional documents.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a deadline for a project.
- AlejandroNecesito el informe para mañana, si es posible.I need the report by tomorrow, if possible.
- ElenaLo intentaré, pero tengo mucho trabajo.I will try, but I have a lot of work.
- AlejandroEntiendo, Elena. No te presiones demasiado.I understand, Elena. Don't pressure yourself too much.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro. Te aviso más tarde.Thanks, Alejandro. I'll let you know later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, posible, si, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
