French - Requests: possible vs impossible

Lesson 148 of 159

Goal: Say politely if something can be done or not

Free French lessons with guided practice, audio, and speaking support.

A quick, friendly lesson to help you answer requests in French. We'll practice two short, useful phrases you can use right away.

Level A1: In Lesson 148 you'll learn and practice two France-specific phrases for requests: "C'est possible." and "C'est impossible." This short CEFR-aligned lesson focuses on hearing, repeating, and using these replies when arranging plans or answering favors. You’ll listen, match meanings, and say the phrases aloud.

After this lesson you'll be able to:

Recognize and say the phrases C'est possible. and C'est impossible.
Use these phrases to answer simple requests about plans and availability.
Practice listening and short responses for Level A1 learners.

Ready? Let's go!

When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

C'est possible.

It's possible. / That can be done.

Meaning: It's possible. / That can be done.

When to use: Use this to say a request or plan can happen. Short and neutral for yes to availability or arrangements.

Tip: Beginners sometimes drop "C'est" and say only "Possible"; use the full phrase in polite replies.

C'est possible de vous rencontrer demain ?

Can we meet tomorrow? — It's possible.

Oui, c'est possible pour 14h.

Yes, 2:00 is possible.

C'est impossible.

It's impossible. / That can't be done.

Meaning: It's impossible. / That can't be done.

When to use: Use this to say a request cannot be done. It can sound firm; often add a polite word like "Désolé" to soften it.

Tip: Saying only "Impossible" sounds abrupt; adding "Désolé" makes it more polite.

C'est impossible de changer le vol.

It's impossible to change the flight.

Désolé, c'est impossible aujourd'hui.

Sorry, it's impossible today.

2. Conversational Listening Practice

Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.

Anna asks about moving a meeting and checks an earlier time.

Anna and David in a short French conversation about moving a meeting and saying if it is possible.

Does David say the 10:00 meeting is possible?

Anna

Bonjour David, est-ce possible de déplacer la réunion à 10h ?

Hello David, is it possible to move the meeting to 10:00?

David

C'est possible.

It's possible.

Anna

Et si on la fait à 8h ?

What about doing it at 8:00?

David

C'est impossible, je suis déjà pris.

It's impossible, I'm already booked.

Anna

D'accord, merci quand même.

Okay, thanks anyway.

David

De rien

You're welcome.

3. Guided Practice

Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.

Which phrase means "That can be done."?

If someone answers "C'est impossible.", what are they saying?

You ask to move a meeting and the short reply is yes. Which reply fits?

To soften the firm refusal "C'est impossible.", which word can you add first?

I asked if the repair could be done today, and the technician said C'est possible.

I asked if the repair could be done today, and the technician said ___.

We wanted to change the date, but the organizer told us C'est impossible.

We wanted to change the date, but the organizer told us ___.

The train is fully booked. I must say C'est impossible.

The train is fully booked. I must say ___.

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice

Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).

Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.

Say this phrase out loud:

C'est possible.

It's possible. / That can be done.

Say this phrase out loud:

C'est impossible.

It's impossible. / That can't be done.