How to say “it may be that” in Italian
In this post, we’re going to focus on one of those expressions that are followed by the Italian subjunctive: the equivalent of “it may be that”.
We say “può darsi che” in Italian, which literally means “it can be given that”.
The subjunctive is a tense that expresses doubt, uncertainty, or a hypothetical situation.
We use this expression “può darsi che” when we’re not sure about what we’re going to say.
This is why it triggers the subjunctive.
Let’s find out how to use“può darsi che”!
“Può darsi che” + subjunctive
As we said, “può darsi che” is always followed by a verb in the subjunctive.
Note that you could use any of the four subjunctive tenses, depending on what you want to say.
These are the fours subjunctive tenses you can use:
- Congiuntivo presente (present subjunctive)
We use the congiuntivo presente to talk about present events.
- Congiuntivo passato (past subjunctive)
We use this subjunctive to talk about past events that happened at a specific time.
- Congiuntivo imperfetto (imperfect subjunctive)
We use the congiuntivo imperfetto to talk about events in the past that happened over a prolonged period of time.
- Congiuntivo trapassato (past perfect subjunctive)
We use this tense to refer to an event that happened BEFORE another event, which may not necessarily be mentioned.
How to use “può darsi che”
We say “può darsi che” when we’re doubting something.
This expression is a set phrase, so we always use those words together and never split them.
We always use può in the present tense, even if we’re talking about something in the past.
If we’re referring to a past event, what is going to be in the past tense is the verb in the subjunctive, as you can see in the example:
Può darsi che non volesse parlare con te.
It may be that he didn’t want to speak to you.
Examples with “può darsi che”
Let’s have a look at some examples with the four subjunctive tenses:
- Congiuntivo presente
Può darsi che Marco non venga stasera.
It may be that Marco is not coming tonight.
- Congiuntivo passato
Secondo me può darsi che abbia detto la verità.
To me, it may be that she said the truth.
- Congiuntivo imperfetto
Può darsi che dicesse sul serio.
It may be that he was talking seriously.
- Congiuntivo trapassato
Può darsi che non avesse capito la mia intenzione.
It may be that he didn’t understand my intention.
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2 Responses
Ciao Stefano
Hi visto una pubblicità sul tuo sito dicendo che ci sia un app . Puoi dirmi quando sarà disponibile per noi?
Grazie
Nigel
“Può darsi che” sia pronta a ottobre. 🙂