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French Phrase

Je peux utiliser un ordi et une imprimante là ?

/ʒə pø y.ti.li.ze œ̃ ɔʁ.di e yn ɛ̃.pʁi.mɑ̃t la/
Meaning"Can I use a computer and a printer here?"
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Meaning

This informal question asks for permission to use a computer and a printer at the speaker’s current location. The word ‘ordi’ signals a casual tone, while ‘là’ emphasizes that the equipment is needed right here, right now.

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When to use

Use it in a library, coworking space, school computer lab, or any shared‑equipment area when you want to ask politely but informally if you may use the devices.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Jepeuxutiliserunordietuneimprimantelà?

1

Pouvoir (peux)

‘Peux’ is the first‑person singular present of pouvoir, used to ask for permission or ability.

2

Infinitive after pouvoir

When pouvoir is followed by another verb, that verb stays in the infinitive (utiliser).

3

Ordi (informal)

‘Ordi’ is a colloquial abbreviation of ordinateur; keep it for casual speech.

4

Gender of imprimante

‘Imprimante’ is feminine, so the article is ‘une’.

5

Là as deictic adverb

‘Là’ placed at the end adds a sense of ‘here/at this place’ and makes the request sound more immediate.

🗨In Conversation

A

Je peux utiliser un ordi et une imprimante là ?

Can I use a computer and a printer here?

Oui, bien sûr, la salle est à ta disposition.

Yes, of course, the room is at your disposal.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Je peux utiliser un ordi et un imprimante là ?

    ‘Imprimante’ is feminine; the correct article is ‘une’.

  • Je peux utiliser un ordi et une imprimante là ?

    In formal contexts replace ‘ordi’ with ‘ordinateur’.

  • Je peux utiliser un ordi et une imprimante là ?

    Using ‘là’ at the end is informal; for a neutral tone use ‘ici’.

↔Alternatives

  • Puis-je utiliser un ordinateur et une imprimante ici ?

    May I use a computer and a printer here?

  • Est‑ce que je peux me servir d’un ordi et d’une imprimante ici ?

    Is it okay if I use a computer and a printer here?

  • Je peux me servir d’un ordinateur et d’une imprimante sur place ?

    Can I use a computer and a printer on site?

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Cultural Tip

‘Ordi’ is strictly informal; in a business meeting or written request you should use ‘ordinateur’. The adverb ‘là’ at the end of a sentence is a colloquial way to point to the immediate location and is common in spoken French, but it can be omitted in formal contexts (e.g., ‘ici’).