SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Job Interview

Italian Phrase

Chiedi una decisione rapida, se puoi.

/ˈkjɛ.di ˈu.na de.tʃiˈzjoːne ˈra.pi.da, se ˈpwo.i/
Meaning"Ask for a quick decision, if you can."
💡

Meaning

This sentence means “Ask for a quick decision, if you can.” It combines an imperative request with a conditional clause, emphasizing urgency while being polite.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase when you need someone to decide promptly, such as in business meetings, project planning, or when coordinating events, but you want to acknowledge that the other person may have constraints.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Chiediunadecisionerapida,sepuoi.

1

Imperative (Chiedi)

‘Chiedi’ is the second‑person singular imperative of ‘chiedere’ (to ask). It is a direct, polite command.

2

Indefinite article (una)

‘una’ introduces a feminine singular noun and signals that any decision, not a specific one, is being requested.

3

Adjective agreement (rapida)

‘rapida’ agrees in gender and number with ‘decisione’ (feminine singular).

4

Conditional clause (se puoi)

‘se puoi’ adds a conditional nuance, meaning ‘if you are able’, softening the request.

🗨In Conversation

A

Chiedi una decisione rapida, se puoi.

Ask for a quick decision, if you can.

Certo, ti darò una risposta entro mezz'ora.

Sure, I’ll give you an answer within half an hour.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Chiedi una decisione rapido, se puoi.

    ‘Decisione’ is feminine, so the adjective must be ‘rapida’, not ‘rapido’.

  • Chiedi una decisione rapida, se può.

    The conditional uses ‘puoi’ (you can). ‘Può’ is third‑person singular and changes the meaning.

  • Chiedi una decisione rapida se puoi.

    Missing the comma can make the sentence feel rushed; the pause clarifies the conditional nuance.

↔Alternatives

  • Richiedi una decisione veloce, se possibile.

    Request a fast decision, if possible.

  • Fai una scelta rapida, se riesci.

    Make a quick choice, if you can.

  • Puoi decidere in fretta, per favore?

    Can you decide quickly, please?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italian business culture, direct imperatives can sound strong. Adding ‘se puoi’ or ‘per favore’ softens the tone and shows respect for the interlocutor’s time constraints. Also, ‘rapida’ is more formal, while ‘veloce’ feels a bit more colloquial.