FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the Shoe ShopPossono essere allargati?
B1

Possono essere allargati?

Can they be stretched/widened?

Pronunciation

'Allargati' — 'al-lar-GA-ti'. Four syllables, stress on third. Double 'l'.

When to use it

When shoes fit lengthwise but are too narrow. A cobbler can stretch leather shoes — worth asking if a style is perfect in every other way.

What it means

'Allargati' = widened/stretched (past participle used as adjective). 'Possono essere' = they can be (passive). A practical question — Italian shoe shops often have a cobbler connection.

Variations

Un calzolaio può allargarle?

Can a cobbler widen them?

'Calzolaio' = cobbler — asking about professional stretching

Esistono dilatatori per scarpe?

Are there shoe stretchers?

Asking for a shoe-stretching tool

Con l'uso si allargano?

Do they stretch with use?

Asking if natural wear will solve the tightness

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Queste mi piacciono ma stringono sul lato. Possono essere allargati? Commessa: Con la pelle di vitello sì — un buon calzolaio lo fa facilmente. Oppure le do io questo dilatatore da usare a casa. Cliente: Ha il dilatatore? Commessa: Sì, è incluso nell'acquisto.

Customer: I like these but they pinch on the side. Can they be stretched? Assistant: With calfskin yes — a good cobbler does it easily. Or I can give you this stretcher to use at home. Customer: Do you have the stretcher? Assistant: Yes, it's included with the purchase.

Cultural Note

Italian cobblers ('calzolai') are skilled craftspeople who can stretch, repair and restore leather shoes. Many Italian families have a trusted local cobbler. Finding yours in any Italian city is easy — look for 'calzoleria riparazioni' signs.