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PhrasesAsking for SizePosso provarla?
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Posso provarla?

Can I try it on?

Pronunciation

'Provarla' — pro-VAR-la. The pronoun 'la' attaches to the infinitive.

When to use it

The essential phrase for any clothing purchase. Always try before buying — Italian sizing varies between brands and even between product lines within the same brand.

What it means

'Provarla' = 'provare' (to try on) + 'la' (it, feminine). For masculine items: 'posso provarlo?'. This construction with an attached pronoun (clitic) on the infinitive is very common in Italian. The question mark comes from rising intonation — word order stays the same.

Variations

Dove sono i camerini?

Where are the fitting rooms?

Follows naturally after permission is granted.

Posso provarli?

Can I try them on?

Plural — for more than one item.

Posso fare una prova?

Can I do a fitting?

More general — asks to try without specifying the item.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Questa gonna mi piace. Posso provarla? Commessa: Certo. I camerini sono in fondo a sinistra. Cliente: Grazie. Posso portarne due da provare? Commessa: Sì, massimo tre pezzi per volta.

Customer: I like this skirt. Can I try it on? Assistant: Of course. The fitting rooms are at the back on the left. Customer: Thank you. Can I take two to try? Assistant: Yes, maximum three items at a time.

Cultural Note

Italian fitting rooms typically allow 3–5 items at a time. An attendant may hand you a numbered token. Some upmarket boutiques require you to be accompanied. This is normal — not a sign of distrust.