Know when to use verbs strength and have the ability to Italian can be challenging for learners as both translate to were able or have the ability to in English. To clear things up, let’s take a look at some specific situations in which each verb is used!
When to use “potere” in Italian
strength Often the best choice when talking capacity and possibility As shown in the following example.
Calm down. I can clean (that) house. *
take it easy. I can clean the house.
(I will clean. / I can clean the house.)
*notes: Italians often omit articles in spoken language This When it comes to cleaning the house (I’m cleaning the house today! = I have to clean the house today!).
This can’t be true!
This can’t be true!
(This can’t be true!)
Where can I find the train station?
Where can I find the train station?
(Where can I find the train station?)
strength also used to talk about allowmuch like an expression allowed in English.
Can I go to the party tonight? – sure.
Can I/I go to the party tonight? – sure.
(Can I go to the party? – Yes, you can.)
When to use “riuscire” in Italian
have the ability toOn the other hand, a person’s ability or ability. also were able and have the ability towhich is also often translated as manage or success in English.
I can’t read the sign. Words are too small.
I can’t read the sign. Words are too small.
(I don’t have the ability/ability to read signs.)
I was able to finish my homework on time.
I was able to finish my homework on time.
(I managed to finish my homework on time. /I managed to finish my homework on time.)
If we compare the following two almost identical sentences, in which only the verb from strength to have the ability towe clearly understand how these two words convey completely different meanings.
I can’t drink vodka.
I can’t drink vodka.
I’m not allowed to drink vodka (because I’m underage).
I can’t drink vodka.
I can’t drink vodka.
I can’t drink (because it makes me feel bad).
when ‘potere’ and ‘riuscire’ are similar
You may encounter certain situations where there is some overlap between the two verbs, especially when strength obviously no meaning is allowed.
For example, in the following sentence, the speaker indicates that he cannot prepare dinner. This may be because he has another more pressing obligation or feels incompetent for the task, but we can safely assume it is not because of a lack of permission.
I can’t make dinner tonight.
I can’t prepare dinner tonight.
I can’t make dinner tonight.
I can’t prepare dinner tonight.
When ‘potere’ and ‘riuscire’ are not similar
Here are some Italian fixed phrases that you will often hear, among which strength and have the ability to Yes no interchangeable.
set phrase with ‘riuscire‘
Italian: I can not do it!
English: I can not do it!
Said when you try to do something and fail.
Italian: I didn’t succeed.
English: I couldn’t do it.
Said when you try something and it doesn’t work.
Italian: Well done.
English: You did a great job/success.
Said is a compliment to someone who has successfully done something.
Set the phrase with “potere”
Italian: What can I do?
English: What can I do?
Say it when someone asks you to fix a problem and you can’t do anything about it.
Italian: I can’t take it anymore!
English: I can’t take it anymore!
Say when you’ve had enough of something.
Italian: But is it possible?
English: I mean, come on! How ridiculous!
An exclamation mark in response to something that upsets or angers the speaker.
Hope this explanation helps clarify the difference between the two strength and have the ability to. Remember, the more Italian you use and hear, the easier it is to tell them apart!
