Signification
Expressing disbelief.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is almost always accompanied by the 'hand purse' gesture (fingertips together, hand moving up and down). In the South, the phrase might be drawn out for emphasis: 'Nooon è possiiibile!' to show even greater drama. Commentators use this phrase constantly during matches to describe incredible goals or terrible mistakes. It is a key phrase in 'Commedia all'italiana' to highlight the frustrations of the common man against bureaucracy.
The Intonation Trick
Rise the pitch on 'pos-' and drop it on '-sibile' to sound like a native.
Subjunctive Alert
Always use the subjunctive if you follow the phrase with 'che'.
Signification
Expressing disbelief.
The Intonation Trick
Rise the pitch on 'pos-' and drop it on '-sibile' to sound like a native.
Subjunctive Alert
Always use the subjunctive if you follow the phrase with 'che'.
Gesture Power
Don't forget to use your hands! A 'non è possibile' without a gesture is only half-Italian.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct reaction to: 'Il caffè costa 10 euro!'
Il caffè costa 10 euro!
We use 'Non è possibile!' to express shock at a high price.
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form (Subjunctive).
Non è possibile che tu ___ (essere) stanco!
The phrase 'Non è possibile che' requires the subjunctive mood.
Match the situation to the most natural use of the phrase.
Which situation fits 'Non è possibile' best?
A train cancellation is an unexpected and frustrating event, perfect for this phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ho perso il mio telefono. B: ____! Dove l'hai lasciato?
Losing a phone is a shocking event that triggers disbelief.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Non è possibile!'
Surprise
- • Winning the lottery
- • Unexpected guest
- • Magic trick
Frustration
- • Train delay
- • High prices
- • Computer crash
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIl caffè costa 10 euro!
We use 'Non è possibile!' to express shock at a high price.
Non è possibile che tu ___ (essere) stanco!
The phrase 'Non è possibile che' requires the subjunctive mood.
Which situation fits 'Non è possibile' best?
A train cancellation is an unexpected and frustrating event, perfect for this phrase.
A: Ho perso il mio telefono. B: ____! Dove l'hai lasciato?
Losing a phone is a shocking event that triggers disbelief.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'Impossibile!' is a very common and slightly more emphatic way to say the same thing.
No, as long as your tone is respectful. It's a neutral phrase.
Because 'possibile' is an adjective, it needs the verb 'to be' (è) to make a sentence.
'Non è possibile' focuses on the event, while 'Non ci credo' focuses on your belief.
No, use 'non posso' for personal inability.
Yes, 'Ma va!' or 'Manco per sogno' are more slangy ways to express disbelief.
In formal writing, yes. In very casual speech, some Italians use the indicative, but it's better to learn the subjunctive.
You can't really be 'very' impossible, but you can say 'È assolutamente impossibile'.
Yes! Like 'No way, that's amazing!' - 'Hai vinto? Non è possibile! Che bello!'
Yes, often written as 'Non è possibile!' or even 'Nn è possibile' in very informal chats.
Expressions liées
Non ci credo
synonymI don't believe it
Ma dai
similarCome on / No way
Impossibile
specialized formImpossible
Non può essere
synonymIt can't be
Roba da matti
similarCrazy stuff
