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PhrasesAt the RestaurantPossiamo sederci fuori?
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Possiamo sederci fuori?

Can we sit outside?

Pronunciation

fuo-RI — two syllables, stress on the last. 'Fu' is pronounced like 'fwoh'.

When to use it

When there is outdoor seating and you prefer to eat outside. Very common in summer throughout Italy.

What it means

'Possiamo' is the first person plural of 'potere' (to be able to). 'Sederci' is 'sedersi' + 'ci' (ourselves, there). 'Fuori' means 'outside'. This is the natural way to request outdoor seating.

Variations

C'è un tavolo in terrazza?

Is there a table on the terrace?

'Terrazza' is a rooftop or elevated terrace — a specific type of outdoor seating

Preferiamo stare all'aperto.

We prefer to stay outdoors.

States a preference rather than asking — slightly more assertive

Siamo al sole o all'ombra?

Are we in the sun or in the shade?

Follow-up question once outside — important in summer

Mini Dialogue

— Buongiorno! Possiamo sederci fuori? — Certo, c'è ancora un tavolo libero sotto il pergolato. — Perfetto! Meglio all'ombra con questo caldo. — Capisco, la seguo.

— Good morning! Can we sit outside? — Of course, there is still a free table under the pergola. — Perfect! Better in the shade in this heat. — Of course, follow me.

Cultural Note

Outdoor dining ('al fresco' — though Italians don't actually use this phrase) is central to Italian summer culture. Many restaurants set up terraces from April to October. A spot in the piazza or beside a fountain is worth the wait.