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PhrasesOrdering CoffeePosso sedermi fuori con il caffè?
A2

Posso sedermi fuori con il caffè?

Can I sit outside with my coffee?

Pronunciation

se-DER-mi — three syllables, stress on second.

When to use it

In a bar with outdoor seating when you want to take your espresso outside. This may change the price.

What it means

'Sedermi' is the reflexive 'sedersi' + 'mi' (myself). 'Fuori' = outside. In Italian bars, the price for consuming at an outdoor table ('al tavolo') is usually higher than at the indoor counter. Always check before sitting outside.

Variations

Il prezzo è lo stesso fuori?

Is the price the same outside?

Confirm the price before sitting — outdoor tables sometimes cost more

Posso portare il caffè fuori?

Can I take the coffee outside?

Some bars allow you to take your espresso to an outdoor standing area

Quanto costa al tavolo all'esterno?

How much does it cost at the outdoor table?

Direct price question for outdoor seating

Mini Dialogue

— Posso sedermi fuori con il caffè? — Certo! Al tavolo però il caffè viene €1,80 invece di €1,20. — Va bene, fa così bello — lo vale. — Benissimo, glielo porto io.

— Can I sit outside with my coffee? — Of course! At the table though the coffee is €1.80 instead of €1.20. — That's fine, it's so lovely out — it's worth it. — Wonderful, I'll bring it to you.

Cultural Note

The Italian two-price system for bars (counter price vs table price) is perfectly legal and mandatory to display. The 'terrace surcharge' ('supplemento terrazzo') at famous locations — Piazza San Marco in Venice, for example — can make a cappuccino cost €8 or more.