Italian Phrase
Posso mettere i piedi sui sedili?
Meaning
Literally, ‘Can I put my feet on the seats?’ It is a polite request for permission, usually asked in a public‑transport or venue setting where foot‑rest etiquette matters.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are on a bus, train, airplane, or in a theater and you want to know if it’s acceptable to rest your feet on the seat in front of you. It shows respect for the rules and for other passengers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possomettereipiedisuisedili?
Posso (modal verb)
‘Posso’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘potere’, used to ask for permission or ability.
Mettere (infinitive)
The infinitive ‘mettere’ means ‘to put’; after a modal verb it stays in the infinitive form.
i piedi (plural noun)
‘Piedi’ is the plural of ‘piede’ (foot). The article ‘i’ marks the masculine plural.
sui (preposition + article)
‘Sui’ is the contraction of ‘su’ + ‘i’, meaning ‘on the’. It must agree in number with the noun that follows.
sedili (plural noun)
‘Sedili’ is the plural of ‘sedile’ (seat), commonly used for seats on buses, trains, planes, etc.
🗨In Conversation
Posso mettere i piedi sui sedili?
Can I put my feet on the seats?
Mi dispiace, ma non è permesso. Per favore, tieni i piedi a terra.
I’m sorry, but that’s not allowed. Please keep your feet on the floor.
✕Common Mistakes
Posso mettere i piedi sul sedili?
‘Sul’ is singular; the noun ‘sedili’ is plural, so you need the plural contraction ‘sui’.
Posso mettere il piede sui sedili?
‘Piede’ is singular; you’re talking about both feet, so use the plural ‘piedi’.
Posso mettere i piedi su i sedili?
In Italian the preposition and article contract: ‘su i’ → ‘sui’.
↔Alternatives
Posso appoggiare i piedi sui sedili?
May I rest my feet on the seats?
È permesso mettere i piedi sui sedili?
Is it allowed to put feet on the seats?
Posso mettere i piedi sul sedile di fronte?
Can I put my feet on the seat in front?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, placing feet on seats in public transport, cinemas, or restaurants is considered rude and is often prohibited by law. Even if you’re tired, it’s better to keep your feet on the floor or use a foot‑rest if one is provided. Asking politely, as in this phrase, shows good manners and can prevent a confrontation.