Italian Phrase
Posso confermare l'orario?
Meaning
Literally, “Can I confirm the time?” It is a courteous way to ask whether you may verify or repeat a scheduled time, often used in business meetings, travel arrangements, or when you need to double‑check an appointment.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to double‑check a time that has already been mentioned, especially in formal or semi‑formal settings such as offices, hotels, or when speaking with a service provider.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possoconfermarel'orario?
Posso (potere)
‘Posso’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘potere’, used to ask for permission or ability.
Infinitive after ‘posso’
When ‘posso’ is followed by another verb, that verb stays in the infinitive (e.g., ‘confermare’).
Elision of the article
The definite article ‘il’ becomes ‘l’ before a vowel, as in ‘l’orario’.
Question mark
In spoken Italian the intonation rises at the end; the written ‘?’ signals a polite request.
🗨In Conversation
Posso confermare l'orario dell'incontro di domani?
Can I confirm the time of tomorrow’s meeting?
Certo, è alle 15:00.
Sure, it’s at 3 p.m.
✕Common Mistakes
Posso confermare l’orario.
Missing the question mark makes it sound like a statement rather than a request.
Posso confermare lo orario?
Using ‘l’ without the apostrophe (e.g., ‘lo orario’) is incorrect because the article elides before a vowel.
Posso confermare l’orario?
‘Posso’ is first‑person; if you want to ask the other person to confirm, use ‘Può’.
↔Alternatives
Posso verificare l'orario?
Can I verify the time?
Posso chiedere l'orario?
May I ask for the time?
Può confermarmi l'orario, per favore?
Could you confirm the time for me, please?
Cultural Tip
In Italian, asking for confirmation with ‘posso’ sounds polite and slightly formal. In very informal contexts you might hear ‘Mi confermi l’orario?’ or simply ‘Che ora è?’ When speaking to someone you don’t know well, add ‘per favore’ to increase courtesy.