Italian Phrase
Per favore, evita il glutine se puoi.
Meaning
A courteous way to ask someone not to consume gluten, but only if they are able to. The conditional *se puoi* adds a polite “if you can” nuance, showing respect for the listener’s circumstances.
When to use
Use this sentence in restaurants, at a friend’s house, or when speaking with a colleague who might be preparing food. It’s perfect for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who need to make a gentle request.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Perfavore,evitailglutinesepuoi.
Per favore
A polite phrase meaning “please”. It can be placed at the beginning or end of a request.
Evita (imperative)
The second‑person singular imperative of *evitare* (to avoid). No subject pronoun is used.
Il glutine
Definite article + noun; the direct object of the verb *evita*.
Se puoi (conditional clause)
Literally “if you can”. It softens the request, making it less demanding.
🗨In Conversation
Per favore, evita il glutine se puoi.
Please avoid gluten if you can.
Certo, lo farò volentieri.
Sure, I’ll do it gladly.
✕Common Mistakes
Per favore, evita il glutine se può.
Use the second‑person singular *puoi* (you can) instead of third‑person *può* (he/she can).
Per favore, non evita il glutine se puoi.
The request is to *avoid* (imperative *evita*), not to *not avoid*.
Per favore, evita glutine se puoi.
If you want to be more specific, you can say *il glutine* (the gluten) or *cibi contenenti glutine* (foods containing gluten).
↔Alternatives
Per cortesia, non mangiare glutine se è possibile.
For courtesy, don’t eat gluten if possible.
Ti chiedo di evitare il glutine, se riesci.
I ask you to avoid gluten, if you can.
Se puoi, evita il glutine, per favore.
If you can, avoid gluten, please.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, celiac disease is taken seriously and many restaurants display a *senza glutine* (gluten‑free) symbol. Still, it’s courteous to state your need clearly and politely, as some traditional dishes contain hidden gluten. Using *per favore* or *per cortesia* shows respect and increases the chance of a proper accommodation.