Italian Phrase
Cosa posso fare legalmente?
Meaning
This question asks about the actions that are allowed under the law. It can be used when you need clarification on legal limits, whether you’re traveling, starting a business, or simply curious about what is permissible.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to inquire about the legal boundaries of a specific activity, such as in a courtroom, a bureaucratic office, or an informal conversation about everyday rules.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosapossofarelegalmente?
Cosa (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask 'what' and placed at the beginning of a question.
Posso (potere, 1st person singular)
Present tense of the modal verb 'potere' meaning 'can' or 'to be able to'.
Fare (infinitive)
The infinitive verb meaning 'to do' or 'to make', commonly used after modal verbs.
Legalmente (adverb)
An adverb derived from 'legale' that means 'legally' and modifies the verb.
Word order
In Italian questions, the interrogative pronoun comes first, followed by the verb and the infinitive.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa posso fare legalmente se voglio avviare una piccola impresa?
What can I do legally if I want to start a small business?
Devi registrare la tua attività, aprire una partita IVA e rispettare le normative fiscali.
You need to register your business, open a VAT number, and comply with tax regulations.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa posso legalmente fare?
Learners sometimes place the adverb before the infinitive (e.g., 'legalmente fare'), which sounds unnatural; keep it after the verb.
Che cosa posso fare legalmente?
In very formal contexts Italians may use 'che cosa' instead of just 'cosa'. Both are correct, but 'cosa' is more colloquial.
Devo fare legalmente?
Avoid mixing modal verbs with 'potere' and 'dovere' incorrectly; 'posso fare' is correct, but 'devo fare legalmente' would be wrong.
↔Alternatives
Cosa è lecito fare?
What is permissible to do?
Quali azioni sono consentite dalla legge?
Which actions are allowed by law?
Che cosa posso fare senza infrangere la legge?
What can I do without breaking the law?
Cultural Tip
In Italian, the adverb 'legalmente' is perfectly correct but can sound a bit formal. In everyday speech Italians often prefer 'lecito' (permitted) or the phrase 'senza infrangere la legge' (without breaking the law). Adjust the register depending on whether you’re speaking with a lawyer, a bureaucrat, or a friend.