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Italian Phrase

Posso rifare l'esame?

/ˈpɔs.so riˈfa.re ˈlɛ ˈza.me/
Meaning"Can I retake the exam?"
💡

Meaning

Literally, 'Can I do the exam again?' It is used to ask for permission to retake an exam, usually after a failed attempt or when the exam schedule allows a second chance.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase when you need to request a second attempt at a test, whether in a university, language school, or professional certification context. It works both in formal settings (talking to a professor) and informal ones (asking a tutor).

✦Grammar Breakdown

Possorifarel'esame?

1

Posso (potere)

Modal verb 'potere' in present indicative, first person singular, expresses ability or permission: 'I can / may'.

2

rifare

Verb 'rifare' = 'to do again, to redo'. Used here to indicate repeating an action, especially an exam.

3

l' (elided article)

Definite article 'la' before a vowel becomes 'l''; here it introduces the noun 'esame'.

4

esame

Noun meaning 'exam' or 'test'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Posso rifare l'esame?

Can I retake the exam?

Sì, devi iscriverti entro il 10 di ottobre e pagare la tassa di recupero.

Yes, you have to register by October 10th and pay the retake fee.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Posso fare l'esame di nuovo?

    While understandable, 'rifare' is the idiomatic verb for 'do again' in this context; 'fare di nuovo' sounds redundant.

  • Posso rifare esame?

    Missing the accent on 'Posso' is a minor spelling error; also, some learners forget the elided article and say 'Posso rifare esame?' which is ungrammatical.

  • Posso rifare l'esami?

    The noun 'esame' is singular; using the plural 'esami' changes the meaning to 'exams' and is incorrect here.

↔Alternatives

  • Posso sostenere di nuovo l'esame?

    Can I sit the exam again?

  • È possibile rifare l'esame?

    Is it possible to retake the exam?

  • Posso fare una seconda prova?

    Can I take a second test?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italian universities, retaking an exam (rifare l'esame) is common but often subject to strict deadlines and an extra fee (tassa di recupero). When speaking to a professor, a more formal tone—using 'È possibile' or 'Vorrei sapere se posso...'—is advisable. In informal contexts, 'Posso rifare l'esame?' is perfectly acceptable.