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How to Say ‘Cars can't go in’ in Italian

Le macchine non possono entrare

Leh MAHK-kee-neh non POS-soh-noh en-TRAH-reh

[Leh MAHK-kee-neh non POS-soh-noh en-TRAH-reh]

🇮🇹 In Italy: Many Italian historic centres are pedestrian areas or limited-traffic zones (ZTL). If a driver drops you a short walk away, it's usually the law, not a trick.

Phrase Breakdown

Le macchine

Leh MAHK-kee-neh

Cars

Stress the first syllable: MAK-ki-ne. The 'cch' sounds like a strong 'k'.

Example

Le macchine sono parcheggiate.

The cars are parked.

Words in this phrase

[Leh]

The (feminine plural)

Definite article used for feminine plural nouns.

Example

Le mele costano tre euro al chilo.

The apples cost three euros per kilo.

macchine

[MAHK-kee-neh]

cars

Plural of 'macchina', common word for car.

Example

Ci sono molte macchine.

There are many cars.

non possono entrare

non POS-soh-noh en-TRAH-reh

can't enter

Hold the double 's' in POS-so-no, then say en-TRA-re.

Example

I bambini non possono entrare.

Children can't enter.

Words in this phrase

non

[non]

not

Used to create the expression 'do not go unnoticed'.

Example

Con quel fascino "non" puoi passare inosservato.

With that charm, you "can't" go unnoticed.

possono

[POS-soh-noh]

can (they can)

Third person plural of 'potere', to be able.

Example

I bambini possono giocare.

The children can play.

entrare

[en-TRAH-reh]

to enter

Infinitive verb meaning to go in.

Example

Posso entrare nel negozio?

Can I enter the shop?

Guides for Italian learners

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