Italian Phrase
Puoi chiamare l'assistenza stradale per me?
Meaning
‘Can you call roadside assistance for me?’ is a polite request asking someone else to contact a service that helps drivers whose vehicles have broken down or had an accident.
When to use
Use this sentence when you’re stranded on the road, your car won’t start, or you’ve had a minor accident and need professional help, but you don’t have a phone or the service number handy.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puoichiamarel'assistenzastradaleperme?
Potere (puoi)
‘Puoi’ is the second‑person singular present of the modal verb *potere*, used to ask for permission or ability.
Infinitive after modal
When a modal verb (potere, volere, dovere) is used, it is followed by an infinitive verb—in this case *chiamare*.
Definite article elision
The article *la* elides before a vowel, becoming *l'* (l'assistenza).
Noun phrase *assistenza stradale*
*Assistenza* (assistance) + *stradale* (road) forms a compound noun meaning ‘roadside assistance’.
Prepositional phrase *per me*
*Per* introduces the beneficiary of the action; *me* is the stressed pronoun used after prepositions.
🗨In Conversation
Puoi chiamare l'assistenza stradale per me?
Can you call roadside assistance for me?
Certo, ti mando subito il numero e li contatto.
Sure, I’ll send you the number right away and call them.
✕Common Mistakes
Può chiamare l'assistenza stradale per me?
‘Può’ is third‑person singular; use ‘puoi’ when speaking directly to someone.
Puoi chiamare la assistenza stradale per me?
Before a vowel the article *la* contracts to *l'*; *la assistenza* is ungrammatical.
Puoi chiamare l'assistenza stradale per mi?
The pronoun after a preposition must be stressed (*me*), not the unstressed *mi*.
↔Alternatives
Potresti contattare l'assistenza stradale per me?
Could you contact roadside assistance for me?
Mi potresti chiamare l'assistenza stradale?
Could you call roadside assistance for me?
Per favore, chiama l'assistenza stradale per me.
Please call roadside assistance for me.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the most common roadside‑assistance providers are ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia) and the services offered by major insurers. When you call, you’ll usually be asked for your car’s registration plate, the exact location (street name, kilometre marker, or nearby landmark), and a brief description of the problem. Politeness matters – starting with *Per favore* or *Scusa* can make the request sound even more courteous.