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Italian Phrase

Puoi mostrarmi su questa mappa?

/ˈpwɔi ˌmostraɾˈmi su ˈkwɛsta ˈmap.pa/
Meaning"Can you show me on this map?"
💡

Meaning

A polite request asking someone to point out something on a map for you. It combines a modal verb (*puoi*) with an infinitive that carries a clitic pronoun (*mostrarmi*).

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When to use

Use this sentence when you need visual help with directions – in a travel agency, during a city tour, in a classroom geography lesson, or while planning a road trip with a friend.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Puoimostrarmisuquestamappa?

1

Puoi (potere)

Second‑person singular present of *potere*, used to ask permission or make a polite request.

2

mostrarmi

Infinitive *mostrare* + indirect object pronoun *mi* (to me) attached; the pronoun always precedes the infinitive in this construction.

3

su

Preposition meaning “on” or “upon”; used with surfaces such as maps, tables, screens.

4

questa

Demonstrative adjective that agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (*mappa* is feminine singular).

5

mappa

Feminine noun meaning “map”.

🗨In Conversation

A

Puoi mostrarmi su questa mappa?

Can you show me on this map?

Certo, guarda qui dove si trova la tua destinazione.

Sure, look here where your destination is.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Puoi mostrare me su questa mappa?

    The pronoun must be attached to the infinitive (*mostrarmi*), not separated.

  • Può mostrarmi su questa mappa?

    Use *puoi* for informal *you*; *può* is third‑person singular and would sound like you’re asking about someone else.

  • Puoi mostrarmi in questa mappa?

    The correct preposition for “on a map” is *su*, not *in*.

↔Alternatives

  • Mi mostri su questa mappa?

    Could you show me on this map?

  • Potrebbe mostrarmi su questa mappa?

    Could you (formal) show me on this map?

  • Mi fai vedere su questa mappa?

    Can you let me see it on this map?

  • Puoi indicarmi dove siamo su questa mappa?

    Can you point out where we are on this map?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy *puoi* is informal; when speaking to strangers, elders, or in a professional setting, switch to the formal *potrebbe*. Also, Italians often prefer the phrase *mostrarmi* with the clitic attached rather than separating it (*mostrare me*), which is considered ungrammatical.