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PhrasesInternship ConversationsPotrei avere un chiarimento su questo punto?
B1formal

Potrei avere un chiarimento su questo punto?

Could I have a clarification on this point?

Pronunciation

'Chiarimento' = kya-ri-MEN-to. The 'chi' sounds like 'k' + 'y'.

When to use it

Use when instructions are unclear rather than guessing and making mistakes. Italian supervisors generally prefer interns to ask rather than proceed incorrectly. Use it sparingly so you do not appear unprepared.

What it means

The conditional 'potrei' (could I) makes this much more polite than 'posso' (can I) or 'voglio' (I want). 'Chiarimento' is more professional than 'spiegazione' in a workplace context.

Variations

Non ho capito bene questa parte. Potrebbe spiegarmi?

I did not quite understand this part. Could you explain it to me?

More direct admission of confusion; honest and natural

Ho un dubbio riguardo alla procedura.

I have a doubt regarding the procedure.

'Avere un dubbio' is a very common Italian workplace phrase

Scusi, potrebbe ripetere l'ultima istruzione?

Excuse me, could you repeat the last instruction?

Use immediately after a verbal explanation if you missed something

Mini Dialogue

Responsabile: Devi compilare il modulo B7 e inviarlo all'ufficio amministrativo entro le tre. Tirocinante: Capito. Potrei avere un chiarimento su questo punto? Non so dove si trova il modulo B7. Responsabile: Ah, certo. È nella cartella condivisa, sotto 'Documenti Interni'. Tirocinante: Perfetto, grazie mille.

Manager: You need to fill out form B7 and send it to the administrative office by three. Intern: Got it. Could I have a clarification on this point? I do not know where form B7 is. Manager: Ah, of course. It is in the shared folder, under 'Internal Documents'. Intern: Perfect, thank you very much.

Cultural Note

In many Italian companies, internal documentation and filing systems have not changed in decades. Do not be surprised to encounter paper-based processes or complex folder hierarchies — asking for clarification is genuinely expected.