ce la puoi fare
The English phrase "you can do it" is translated into Italian as ce la puoi fare.
ce la puoi fare is an expression used to encourage someone and tell them they are capable of achieving a goal. It is often used as an exclamatory imperative-like encouragement, even though it is grammatically a statement of ability.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the pronominal verb farcela, where ce and la are particles that, when combined with fare (to do/make), create the idiomatic meaning of "to succeed" or "to manage". Literally, the phrase translates to "you can make it with it".
Which one should you use?
While puoi farlo literally means "you can do it" (referring to a specific action), ce la puoi fare is the idiomatic way to express the sense of 'succeeding' or 'managing a difficult task'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the subject from "you" to "he" or "she", the verb puoi changes to può, resulting in ce la può fare.
Did you know?
- The particle la originates from the Latin word illa, which means 'that' or 'that one', suggesting the phrase carries a historical sense of 'making that thing happen'.
- In Italian, the opposite of ce la puoi fare is often non farcela, which can describe not just a failure to complete a task but also an emotional breaking point.
- If you find yourself struggling with a complex task, an Italian might say non ce la faccio to express 'I can't manage it', turning the phrase into a common way to express frustration or exhaustion.
Examples in context
- Ce la puoi fare!You can do it.Tatoeba #737515 by Guybrush88, translation #1391 by brauliobezerra
- Avanti! Ce la puoi fare!Come on! You can do it!This sentence shows how to use ce la puoi fare with the encouragement "Avanti!"Tatoeba #6712254 by Guybrush88, translation #6710733 by CK
- Dai, ce la puoi fare! Non mollare!Come on, you can do it! Don't give up!
- Non mollare, ce la puoi fare!Don't give up, you can do it!
Example conversation
Francesco is encouraging Martina before her job interview.
- FrancescoSei molto preparata, ce la puoi fare!You are very prepared, you can do it!
- MartinaSpero proprio di riuscirci, Francesco.I really hope I can succeed, Francesco.
- FrancescoSono sicuro che sarà un successo.I am sure it will be a success.
- MartinaGrazie mille per il tuo supporto.Thank you so much for your support.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fare, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
