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PhrasesAt the Bus StopPosso salire da davanti?
A2informal

Posso salire da davanti?

Can I board from the front?

Pronunciation

'Salire' — 'sa-LI-re'. Stress on second syllable. 'Davanti' — 'da-VAN-ti'.

When to use it

Ask the driver directly when bus doors are multiple and you are unsure which to use, especially useful with large luggage or a pushchair.

What it means

'Posso' is the first-person singular of 'potere' (can/may). 'Salire' means to board/get on. 'Da davanti' means 'from the front'. Italian buses often require rear entry and front exit, but this varies by city.

Variations

Da dove si sale?

Where do you board from?

Impersonal 'si'; asks generally about boarding procedure.

Posso salire con il passeggino?

Can I board with the pushchair?

Important for parents with strollers.

Posso portare la bici sull'autobus?

Can I bring my bicycle on the bus?

Relevant on suburban and airport lines.

Mini Dialogue

— Posso salire da davanti? — No, si sale da dietro. — Ho una valigia grande. — Va bene, allora passi pure.

— Can I board from the front? — No, you board from the back. — I have a large suitcase. — All right, go ahead then.

Cultural Note

Boarding rules vary by city. In Rome you board from any door; in Milan you board from rear doors and exit from the front. Ignoring this can cause friction with other passengers.