Italian Phrase
Sei disposto a negoziare?
Meaning
Literally ‘Are you willing to negotiate?’, this question asks whether the listener is open to discussing terms, reaching a compromise, or finding a middle ground. It can be used in both formal business settings and informal personal disputes.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to test the other party’s openness before starting a negotiation, whether you’re at a boardroom table, a market stall, or even settling a disagreement with a friend. It’s polite yet direct, and works in both formal and semi‑formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seidispostoanegoziare?
Sei (essere)
Second‑person singular present of the verb *essere*; used here as the auxiliary for the adjective *disposto*.
disposto
An adjective meaning ‘willing’ or ‘ready’; it agrees in gender and number with the subject (masc. singular here).
a + infinitive
In Italian, *disposto* is followed by the preposition *a* and then an infinitive verb to express willingness to do something.
negoziare
Infinitive of the verb ‘to negotiate’; the stress falls on the penultimate syllable.
🗨In Conversation
Sei disposto a negoziare?
Are you willing to negotiate?
Sì, vediamo quali condizioni possiamo trovare.
Yes, let’s see what conditions we can reach.
✕Common Mistakes
Sei disposto di negoziare?
The adjective *disposto* takes the preposition *a*, not *di*.
Sei disposto negoziare?
The infinitive must be preceded by *a*; dropping the preposition makes the sentence ungrammatical.
Sei disposta a negoziare?
Match the gender of the subject; *disposto* is masculine, *disposta* is feminine.
↔Alternatives
Vuoi negoziare?
Do you want to negotiate?
Saresti disposto a negoziare?
Would you be willing to negotiate?
Ti va di negoziare?
Do you feel like negotiating?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, negotiations often blend business with personal rapport. Starting with *Sei disposto a negoziare?* shows respect for the other party’s autonomy and signals that you value a collaborative outcome. Remember to match the formality of the setting – in very formal meetings you might say *Sarebbe disposto a negoziare?* to add an extra layer of courtesy.