Potere vs Riuscire (e Sapere)

Question 1

Overview of usage

Each can be used to express “can” in English, but are used in different ways:

1. Potere - used when you can or can’t do something based on someone or something external to you. Always followed by infinitive without a prepostion
2. Sapere - you can or can’t do something based on if you know how. Always followed by infinitive without a prepostion
3. Riuscire - you can or can’t do someting based on your physical or mental capacity to do. Always followed by “a” + infinitive. Conjugated with “Essere”

How would you say “I can’t drive the car” based on these 3 circumstances:

1. You forgot your license
2. You never learned how
3. You are too tired

Answer 1

Answers to “I can’t drive the car”

1. Non posso guidare la macchina. (forgot license)
2. Non so guidare la macchina. (never learned how)
3. Non riesco a guidare la macchina. (too tired)

Question 2

I can’t go out tonight because I have to get ready for the exam.

Answer 2

Non posso usicre stasera perchè devo preparami per l’esame.

Question 3

I can’t understand him, he speaks to fast.

Answer 3

Non riesco a capirlo, parla troppo velocemente.

Question 4

Despite my fear I managed to pass my driving test.

Answer 4

Nonostante la mia paura sono riuscito a passare l’esame di guida.

Question 5

The baby can already walk.

Answer 5

Il bambino sa già camminare.

Question 6

Can someone help me wash the dishes?

Answer 6

Qualcuno mi può auitare a lavare i piatti?

OR

Qualcuno può aiutarmi a lavare i piatti?

Question 7

When you and Stella go out, can you buy me a coffee?

Answer 7

Quando Stella e tu uscite potete comprarmi un caffè?

Question 8

Giovanni, why can’t you ever listen to me carefully?

Answer 8

Giovanni, perchè non reisci mai ad ascolatrmi con attenzione?

Question 9

Boys, can you be quiet? I’m talking on the telephone.

Answer 9

Ragazzi, riuscite a fare silenzio? Sto parlando al telephono.

Question 10

Bella and I can’t find time to have coffee together.

Answer 10

Bella ed io non riusciamo a trovare il tempo per bere un caffè insieme.

Question 11

These evening, can you go out or do you have stay home?

Answer 11

Quest sera puoi usicre o devi restare a casa?

Question 12

If we make tiramisù for kids, in place of coffee and liquor, we can use fruit juice.

Answer 12

Se prepariamo il tiramsù per dei bambini, al posto di caffè e liquor, possiamo usare dei succhi di frutta.

Question 13

Many people try to quit smoking but not everyone can do it.

Answer 13

Molti persone cercano di smettere di fumare, ma non tutti riescono a farlo.

Question 14

Lucilla is so shy that when she sees Fabio she can’t say a word.

Answer 14

Lucilla è così timida che quando vede Fabio non riesce a dire una parola.