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Italian Phrase

Questo posto è libero?

/ˈkwɛs.to ˈpɔs.to ɛ ˈli.be.ro/
Meaning"Is this seat free?"
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Meaning

Literally, “Is this seat free?” It is used to ask whether a particular seat or spot is unoccupied and can be taken. The question mark indicates rising intonation in spoken Italian.

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When to use

Use this phrase in cafés, restaurants, public transport, or any place where you might want to sit down and need to check if a seat is taken. It’s polite and direct, suitable for both casual and semi‑formal situations.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Questopostoèlibero?

1

Questo (demonstrative adjective)

Used to point out a specific noun that is close to the speaker; it agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.

2

posto (noun, masculine singular)

Means ‘place’, ‘seat’, or ‘spot’. In this context it refers to a seat in a public setting.

3

è (verb essere, 3rd person singular present)

The present tense of ‘to be’; here it links the subject (questo posto) with the adjective.

4

libero (adjective, masculine singular)

Means ‘free’, ‘available’, or ‘unoccupied’. It must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.

🗨In Conversation

A

Scusi, questo posto è libero?

Excuse me, is this seat free?

Sì, è libero. Prego, si accomodi.

Yes, it’s free. Please, have a seat.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Questo posto è libera?

    ‘Libera’ is the feminine form; ‘posto’ is masculine, so the adjective must be masculine (libero).

  • Questi posto è libero?

    ‘QuestI’ is plural; the noun ‘posto’ is singular, so the demonstrative must be singular (questo).

  • C’è questo posto libero?

    ‘C’è’ means ‘there is’; while you can say “C’è posto libero?” it does not directly point to a specific seat you’re eyeing.

↔Alternatives

  • Questo posto è disponibile?

    Is this seat available?

  • C'è posto libero?

    Is there a free seat?

  • Posso sedermi qui?

    May I sit here?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy it’s common to ask about a seat before taking it, especially in busy cafés or on trains. Adding a polite “Scusi” (excuse me) or “Per favore” (please) softens the request. In some regions, especially in the south, people may also say “C’è posto?” which is a shorter, informal way to ask the same thing.