Italian Phrase
Posso portare qualcuno?
Meaning
Literally ‘Can I bring someone?’, this phrase is a polite request for permission to have another person join you – for example at a restaurant, a concert, or a meeting.
When to use
Use it when you need to ask a host, a waiter, a teacher, or any authority figure whether it’s allowed to bring a guest or companion.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possoportarequalcuno?
Potere (posso)
‘Posso’ is the first‑person singular present of the modal verb *potere*, used to ask for permission or ability.
Infinitive after modal
When a modal verb (potere, volere, dovere) is used, it is followed directly by the infinitive of the main action.
Qualcuno
‘Qualcuno’ is an indefinite pronoun meaning ‘someone’; it does not need an article.
Question intonation
In spoken Italian the rising intonation at the end of the sentence signals a question; the written question mark is optional in informal speech.
🗨In Conversation
Posso portare qualcuno?
Can I bring someone?
Certo, sei il benvenuto.
Sure, you’re welcome.
✕Common Mistakes
Posso portare **a** qualcuno?
Do not add the preposition *a* after *portare* when you’re asking about a person; the verb already takes the direct object.
Posso portare **qualcuna**?
‘Qualcuna’ is the feminine form; use *qualcuno* for a generic person unless you specifically mean a female.
Posso portare **con** qualcuno?
The phrase *con qualcuno* means ‘with someone’, which changes the meaning to ‘Can I bring along with someone?’ – not a request for permission.
↔Alternatives
Posso invitare qualcuno?
Can I invite someone?
Posso portare un amico?
Can I bring a friend?
Posso portare un accompagnatore?
Can I bring a companion?
Cultural Tip
In Italy it’s considered courteous to ask before adding a guest, especially in smaller venues or family‑run restaurants. If you’re unsure, a simple ‘Posso portare qualcuno?’ shows respect and avoids awkwardness. In more informal settings you might hear ‘Porto un amico?’ which is equally polite but a bit more relaxed.