Polite requests with potresti
When you want to ask for a favor or request an item politely, use the present conditional form of the helper verb potere (can / to be able to).
For the "you" form, this is potresti (could you). Because it is a helper verb, it is followed directly by the infinitive form of the main action you are requesting.
| The red thread for the fabric is beautiful; could you give it to me? | Il filo rosso per la stoffa è bello; me lo potresti dare? |
Connecting ideas with che
To link two related ideas or describe a specific object, use the relative pronoun che (that, which, or who).
In Italian, che is incredibly versatile and never changes its form. Whether the noun it refers to is masculine, feminine, singular, or plural, you will always use che. It can act as the subject of the phrase that follows, or as the direct object.
| The glue that you are using is stronger than the cardboard. | La colla che stai usando è più forte del cartone. |
| The cardboard that is behind the table is heavier than the clay. | Il cartone che è dietro al tavolo è più pesante dell'argilla. |
Asking for specific materials
Now we can combine these two concepts to politely ask for specific tools and materials during a creative project. Notice how che smoothly links the item you are requesting with the description of exactly which one you need.
| Could you give me the fabric that you are sewing? | Mi potresti dare la stoffa che stai cucendo? |
| Could you bring me the wool that is near the paintbrush? | Mi potresti portare la lana che è vicino al pennello? |
| Could you show me the clay that you got for the pearls? | Mi potresti mostrare l'argilla che hai preso per le perle? |