Italian Phrase
Posso passare, per favore?
Meaning
A polite way to ask someone to let you move past them, typically in a crowded space, a narrow aisle, or when you need to get through a line. The phrase combines a request for permission (Posso) with the courtesy marker ‘per favore’.
When to use
Use it when you need to navigate through a group of people, on public transport, in a shop aisle, or any situation where you must ask others to make way. It works in both formal and informal contexts, but adding ‘per favore’ makes it especially courteous.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possopassare,perfavore?
Posso (potere)
‘Posso’ is the 1st‑person singular present of the modal verb ‘potere’, used to ask permission or express ability.
passare (infinitive)
The infinitive ‘passare’ follows the modal verb and means ‘to pass’ or ‘to go by’.
per favore
A set phrase meaning ‘please’; it softens the request and is essential for politeness in Italian.
punctuation
The comma before ‘per favore’ mirrors spoken pauses; the question mark signals a request rather than a statement.
🗨In Conversation
Posso passare, per favore?
May I pass, please?
Certo, prego.
Sure, go ahead.
✕Common Mistakes
Posso passare per favore
Missing the comma (or pause) can make the phrase sound rushed; the pause before ‘per favore’ signals politeness.
Può passare, per favore?
‘Può’ is the 3rd‑person singular form; use ‘Posso’ when you are speaking about yourself.
Posso passare, grazie?
‘Grazie’ means ‘thank you’; after a request you should use ‘per favore’, not ‘grazie’. ‘Grazie’ is used after the request has been granted.
↔Alternatives
Mi scusi, posso passare?
Excuse me, may I pass?
Scusami, posso passare?
Sorry, can I get through?
Posso attraversare, per favore?
May I cross, please?
Potrei passare, per favore?
Could I pass, please?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, politeness is expressed not only through words but also through tone and body language. A gentle smile and a slight hand gesture while saying ‘per favore’ make the request feel genuine. In very formal settings (e.g., speaking to an elder), you might use the formal ‘Posso passare, per favore?’ or add ‘Mi scusi’ at the beginning. Avoid rushing; a calm, courteous approach is always appreciated.