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PhrasesTrying on ClothesPosso provare questo?
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Posso provare questo?

Can I try this on?

Pronunciation

'Provare' — 'pro-VA-re'. Stress on the second syllable. The 'r' is a single tap, not a heavy roll.

When to use it

The first thing you say before heading to the fitting room. Always ask before taking items — it's polite and staff may help carry items for you.

What it means

'Posso' (can I, from 'potere') + infinitive is the go-to permission structure. 'Questo' = this (masculine). Feminine: 'Posso provare questa?' The object pronoun can also be attached: 'Posso provarlo?'

Variations

Posso provare questi?

Can I try these on?

Plural — taking multiple items

Vorrei provare questo.

I'd like to try this on.

'Vorrei' is slightly more polite — conditional of volere

È possibile provarlo?

Is it possible to try it on?

Most formal variant

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Posso provare questo maglione e questi pantaloni? Commessa: Certo. I camerini sono liberi — ne prenda pure due capi per volta. Cliente: Grazie. Prendo anche questa giacca. Commessa: Tre capi vanno benissimo.

Customer: Can I try on this jumper and these trousers? Assistant: Of course. The fitting rooms are free — feel free to take two items at a time. Customer: Thanks. I'll take this jacket too. Assistant: Three items is fine.

Cultural Note

Italian fitting rooms sometimes have item limits, typically 3-6 pieces. A numbered tag may be given to track how many items you've taken. This is standard in chain stores like Zara, H&M and Italian brands like OVS.