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PhrasesTaking a TaxiQuante persone possiamo essere in taxi?
A2

Quante persone possiamo essere in taxi?

How many people can be in the taxi?

Pronunciation

'Persone' — 'per-SO-ne'. Three syllables; stress on the second.

When to use it

Ask when travelling in a group to confirm whether everyone can fit in one vehicle or whether a second taxi or a larger vehicle is needed.

What it means

'Quante persone' means 'how many people'. 'Possiamo essere' uses the modal 'possiamo' (we can) with 'essere' (to be). Standard Italian taxis carry a maximum of 4 passengers; minivan taxis carry up to 7.

Variations

Siamo in cinque. Entriamo?

There are five of us. Can we all fit?

States the number and asks if it works.

C'è un taxi grande per sei persone?

Is there a large taxi for six people?

Requests a minivan or maxi-taxi.

Dobbiamo prendere due taxi?

Do we need to take two taxis?

Accepts the need to split the group.

Mini Dialogue

— Quante persone possiamo essere in taxi? — Massimo quattro. In quanti siete? — Siamo in sei. — Allora le servo un maxi-taxi. Aspetti qualche minuto.

— How many people can be in the taxi? — Four maximum. How many of you are there? — There are six of us. — Then I'll get you a maxi-taxi. Wait a few minutes.

Cultural Note

Italian standard taxis (usually Fiat Doblo, Dacia Duster, or similar) carry 4 passengers. For groups of 5–7, 'maxi-taxi' (minivan taxis) must be booked — they cost slightly more but are widely available in major cities.