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PhrasesReturning ItemsPosso provarli prima di decidere?
A2

Posso provarli prima di decidere?

Can I try them on before deciding?

Pronunciation

'Provarli' — pro-VAR-li. The pronoun 'li' attaches to the infinitive.

When to use it

Use when you have been offered replacement items and want to try before accepting. Better to check the replacement fits than to return the replacement as well.

What it means

'Provarli' is 'provare' (to try) with 'li' (them) attached as a clitic pronoun. 'Prima di + infinitive' means 'before + gerund' in English. This construction is very common in Italian: 'prima di partire' (before leaving), 'prima di mangiare' (before eating).

Variations

Posso provarla in camerino?

Can I try it on in the fitting room?

For clothing — 'la' for feminine item.

Dove sono i camerini?

Where are the fitting rooms?

Follows naturally if the answer is yes.

Posso verificare che funzioni?

Can I check that it works?

For electronics or appliances.

Mini Dialogue

Commessa: Le porto la taglia quarantaquattro. Cliente: Posso provarla prima di decidere? Commessa: Certamente, i camerini sono in fondo a destra. Cliente: Grazie, torno subito.

Assistant: I'll bring you size forty-four. Customer: Can I try it on before deciding? Assistant: Certainly, the fitting rooms are at the back on the right. Customer: Thank you, I'll be right back.

Cultural Note

Italian fitting rooms ('camerini') are often staffed and have item limits. Attendants may take your items and give you a number. This is standard — not suspicious. It prevents theft and helps them track stock.