Bedeutung
Asking if something can be done.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is often accompanied by the 'hand purse' gesture (fingertips together) when expressing disbelief. In the South, 'È possibile?' is often the start of a longer social interaction. It's rarely just a yes/no question. Using 'È possibile?' instead of 'Devi' (You must) is crucial for maintaining 'bella figura' (good impression). Italians use 'Non è possibile' as a common comment on viral videos showing something amazing or stupid.
The 'Per Favore' Rule
Always add 'per favore' at the end of 'È possibile...?' to sound like a native.
Tone Matters
A rising intonation makes it a question; a falling intonation with a sigh makes it a complaint.
Bedeutung
Asking if something can be done.
The 'Per Favore' Rule
Always add 'per favore' at the end of 'È possibile...?' to sound like a native.
Tone Matters
A rising intonation makes it a question; a falling intonation with a sigh makes it a complaint.
The Italian 'No'
If someone says 'Non è possibile,' don't give up immediately. Try 'Sicuro?' or 'Sarebbe molto importante.'
Shortcuts
In very busy bars, you can just say 'Possibile un caffè?' dropping the 'È'.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence to ask if you can pay.
Scusi, è possibile _______?
After 'è possibile', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Which phrase is the most polite for a formal request?
Asking a manager for a meeting:
The conditional form 'Sarebbe possibile' is the most formal and polite.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. È possibile entrare? | 2. Non è possibile! | 3. È possibile un caffè?
Each context dictates the nuance of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Turista: 'È possibile fare una foto?' | Guida: 'No, mi dispiace, _______.'
The guide is denying permission, so the negative form is required.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Politeness Levels
Common Verbs to Pair
Travel
- • Partire
- • Arrivare
- • Prenotare
Dining
- • Mangiare
- • Bere
- • Ordinare
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenScusi, è possibile _______?
After 'è possibile', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Asking a manager for a meeting:
The conditional form 'Sarebbe possibile' is the most formal and polite.
1. È possibile entrare? | 2. Non è possibile! | 3. È possibile un caffè?
Each context dictates the nuance of the phrase.
Turista: 'È possibile fare una foto?' | Guida: 'No, mi dispiace, _______.'
The guide is denying permission, so the negative form is required.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, because it's impersonal. It asks about the situation rather than your own power to do something.
Yes! 'È possibile uno sconto?' is a very common way to start a negotiation in a market.
No. When used with 'È' as an impersonal expression, it stays singular. 'È possibile avere due caffè?'
You can say 'Sì, certo,' 'Prego,' or 'Mi dispiace, no.'
'Si può' is more informal and often refers to rules/laws, while 'È possibile' is broader.
Absolutely. It's very common in professional emails for making requests.
Yes, but 'Si può?' or 'Posso?' might feel more natural for very small things.
It's a rhetorical way of saying 'I can't believe this is happening!'
Only if you add 'che'. 'È possibile che tu VADA' vs 'È possibile ANDARE'.
It's better to say 'Mi è possibile?' but 'per me' is understood.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Si può?
similarIs it allowed? / Can one?
È fattibile?
specialized formIs it feasible?
Magari!
contrastI wish! / If only!
Non si sa mai
builds onYou never know
Sarebbe possibile
specialized formWould it be possible
