Можно?
Mozhno?
The English phrase "may I?" is translated into Russian as Можно? (Mozhno?)
Можно? is used as a polite way to ask for permission to do something.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Можно literally means "it is possible" or "it is permitted".
Which one should you use?
Можно? asks if an action is permitted. This is distinct from Могу я…?, which is used to ask about one's physical ability or capacity to do something.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the single word Можно? into a full sentence such as "May I [verb]?", you use the particle ли after the verb or the phrase, for example, Можно ли войти? (May I enter?).
How do you pronounce it?
Mozhno?
When do people say it?
A common way to grant permission in response to Можно? is to repeat the word as a statement: Можно. (You may / It is allowed.).
Did you know?
- A common playful or sarcastic response to a request for permission is Можно, но нельзя, which literally translates to 'it is possible, but it is forbidden'.
- If a person answers your Можно? with Нельзя, they are not just saying 'no', they are stating a fundamental rule that the action is strictly forbidden or impossible.
- In very formal settings, instead of the short Можно?, one might use the phrase Разрешите? (Permit/Allow?), which sounds much more professional and deferential.
Examples in context
- Могу я попросить бутылку воды?May I ask for a bottle of water?
- Могу я задать вам вопрос?May I ask you a question?
- Можно я возьму твою книгу?Can I take your book?
- Можно я позвоню тебе позже?Can I call you later?
- Можно я присоединюсь к вам?Can I join you?
Example conversation
Sergey sees Maria reading a book and wants to see it.
- Сергей SergeyИнтересная книга. Можно?Interesnaya kniga. Mozhno?Interesting book. May I?
- Мария MariaДа, конечно, Сергей.Da, konechno, Sergey.Yes, of course, Sergey.
- Сергей SergeyСпасибо, Мария!Spasibo, Mariya!Thank you, Maria!
- Мария MariaПожалуйста.Pozhaluysta.You're welcome.
