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Italian Phrase

Cosa posso fare per aiutarti?

/ˈkɔ.za ˈpɔs.so ˈfa.re per a.juˈtar.ti/
Meaning"What can I do to help you?"
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Meaning

Literally, “What can I do for to‑help‑you?” It is a polite way to ask someone what you can do to assist them. The sentence combines a question word (cosa) with the modal verb *potere* and the purpose clause *per aiutarti*.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to offer help in a friendly, informal setting—e.g., with friends, classmates, or colleagues you know well. It works equally well in customer‑service contexts if you want to sound warm and attentive.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Cosapossofareperaiutarti

1

Cosa

Interrogative pronoun meaning “what”. It introduces a question about an unknown thing or action.

2

posso

First‑person singular present of the modal verb *potere* (to be able to). It expresses ability or permission.

3

fare

Infinitive of the verb *fare* (to do / to make). Here it works as the main verb of the question.

4

per

Preposition meaning “for” or “in order to”. It links the purpose of the action to the following infinitive.

5

aiutarti

Infinitive *aiutare* (to help) with the clitic pronoun *ti* attached, meaning “to help you”. In spoken Italian the pronoun is attached to the infinitive.

🗨In Conversation

A

Cosa posso fare per aiutarti?

What can I do to help you?

Potresti portarmi il documento che ho lasciato in ufficio?

Could you bring me the document I left in the office?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Cosa posso fare per aiutare?

    Missing the clitic pronoun makes the sentence sound incomplete; you need *aiutarti* (or *aiutarla*) to specify who you’ll help.

  • Cosa posso fare per aiutare te?

    Some learners place the preposition before the infinitive incorrectly, e.g., *per aiutare te*; the correct form attaches the pronoun to the infinitive.

  • Cosa potere fare per aiutarti?

    The modal verb *potere* must be conjugated; *posso* is required, not the infinitive *potere*.

↔Alternatives

  • Come posso aiutarti?

    How can I help you?

  • C'è qualcosa che posso fare per te?

    Is there something I can do for you?

  • Posso fare qualcosa per aiutarti?

    Can I do something to help you?

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Cultural Tip

In Italian the level of formality is conveyed by the pronoun. *Aiutarti* uses the informal *ti*. If you are speaking to a stranger, an elder, or in a formal business setting, switch to the formal *aiutarla* (or *aiutarLe* in very polite contexts) and say *Cosa posso fare per aiutarla?*. The phrase is very common in everyday conversation and shows genuine willingness to assist.