French Phrase
Je peux mettre les pieds sur les sièges ?
Meaning
Literally, “Can I put my feet on the seats?” It is a polite request for permission, usually asked in a public‑transport or theater setting where putting feet on seats may be considered rude.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are on a bus, train, airplane, or in a cinema and you want to know if it’s acceptable to rest your feet on the seat in front of you. It’s a courteous way to check the etiquette before you do it.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jepeuxmettrelespiedssurlessièges?
Pouvoir (peux)
The verb pouvoir expresses ability or permission; conjugated here in the present 1st person singular (je peux).
Infinitive after pouvoir
When pouvoir is followed by another verb, that verb stays in the infinitive (mettre).
Mettre + object
Mettre means “to put/place”. It takes a direct object (les pieds) without a preposition.
Preposition sur
Sur means “on/onto”. It introduces the location where the object is placed (les sièges).
Plural nouns
Both pieds and sièges are plural, so the articles les are used.
🗨In Conversation
Je peux mettre les pieds sur les sièges ?
Can I put my feet on the seats?
Non, désolé, c’est interdit ici.
No, sorry, that’s not allowed here.
✕Common Mistakes
Je peux mettre les pieds sur le siège ?
Use the plural ‘les sièges’ if you refer to seats in general; singular would mean a specific seat.
Je peux poser les pieds sur les sièges ?
‘Poser’ is also correct, but learners often forget the reflexive pronoun ‘mes’ when they want to say ‘my feet’.
Je peux mettre mes pieds sur les sièges ?
Adding ‘mes’ is not wrong, but it sounds slightly redundant because ‘les pieds’ already implies yours in this context.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce que je peux poser mes pieds sur les sièges ?
May I place my feet on the seats?
Puis‑je mettre mes pieds sur les sièges ?
May I put my feet on the seats?
Est‑il permis de mettre les pieds sur les sièges ?
Is it allowed to put feet on the seats?
Cultural Tip
In France, putting your feet on a seat is generally seen as disrespectful, especially in public transport or formal venues. Even if you ask politely, many people will still say no. In some relaxed settings (e.g., a long‑distance train with empty seats), it might be tolerated, but it’s safer to keep your feet on the floor.