Italian Phrase
Puoi candidarti online o di persona.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that they have the option to submit their application either through the internet or by showing up physically. It is a neutral, informational statement often used by institutions, companies, or schools.
When to use
Use this phrase when explaining how to apply for a job, a university program, a scholarship, or any formal request that can be submitted either digitally or face‑to‑face. It works both in spoken conversation and in written instructions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puoicandidartionlineodipersona
Potere (Puoi)
The modal verb *potere* expresses ability or permission; in the present tense, 2nd person singular is *puoi*.
Reflexive infinitive (candidarti)
When a modal verb is followed by a reflexive verb, the infinitive keeps the reflexive pronoun attached (candidarsi → candidarti).
Borrowed adverb (online)
Italian frequently adopts English adverbs like *online* to mean ‘via the internet’; it behaves like an adverb and does not change.
Coordinating conjunction (o)
The simple conjunction *o* links two alternatives, equivalent to ‘or’ in English.
Prepositional phrase (di persona)
The phrase *di persona* literally means ‘by person’ and is the standard way to say ‘in person’.
🗨In Conversation
Come posso fare domanda per il corso?
How can I apply for the course?
Puoi candidarti online o di persona.
You can apply online or in person.
✕Common Mistakes
Puoi candidare online o di persona.
The verb *candidare* is transitive and needs a direct object; to say ‘apply’ you must use the reflexive *candidarsi* → *candidarti* after a modal.
Puoi candidarti online o in persona.
The correct idiom is *di persona*; *in persona* sounds like a literal translation from English and is not idiomatic.
Puoi candidarti in linea o di persona.
While *online* is accepted, beginners sometimes replace it with *in linea*, which is less common in spoken Italian.
↔Alternatives
Puoi fare domanda online o di persona.
You can submit an application online or in person.
Puoi presentare la tua candidatura online o di persona.
You can present your candidacy online or in person.
Puoi iscriverti online oppure di persona.
You can register online or in person.
Cultural Tip
In Italy many public offices, universities and companies still keep a traditional ‘in‑person’ desk, even though the digital route is growing fast. When you use *online* you sound modern, but *di persona* adds a polite, formal tone that shows you respect the conventional process. In the south, people may prefer the face‑to‑face option, while in the north the online route is often the default.