A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I want" in Italian
Politely ask for something in Italy. Use 'Vorrei' for a softer, more formal request.
Vorrei
vor-RAYformal
Italian TTS · 0:01
This is your go-to for ordering food, asking for directions, or requesting service in shops and restaurants. It's the polite way to express a desire or make a request without sounding demanding.
Alternatives
- VoglioThis is too direct and can sound rude; reserve for close friends or when you're absolutely certain of the context.
- Mi serveUse this when you need something urgently or as a statement of necessity, not a polite request.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'Vorrei' with 'Voglio'
'Voglio' means 'I want' directly and can sound demanding; 'Vorrei' is the conditional, meaning 'I would like,' which is much more polite.
Pronouncing 'Vorrei' with a hard 'G'
The 'g' is silent in 'Vorrei'; focus on the 'vor-RAY' sound, not 'vor-GAY'.
A small cultural note
Italians generally appreciate politeness, especially when interacting with service staff. Using 'Vorrei' shows you understand this social nuance.
Frequently asked
When do I use Vorrei vs Voglio?
Always use 'Vorrei' ('I would like') for requests in shops, restaurants, or with people you don't know well. 'Voglio' ('I want') is too blunt for most situations.
Is Vorrei always formal?
It's generally considered more formal and polite than 'Voglio'. You can use it in most situations where you want to be respectful, even with friends if you're asking for a favor.
How do I say 'I want' to a friend?
With close friends, you can sometimes use 'Voglio' if the context is very casual, but even then, 'Vorrei' is still perfectly acceptable and often preferred.
How to conjugate "I want" in Italian?
The Italian verb for "to want" is "volere". The first-person singular present tense, meaning "I want", is "io voglio".
What is the word for want in Italian?
The most common Italian word for "want" is "volere". It is a very common verb used in many everyday situations.
What are some polite ways to say "I want" in Italian?
To be more polite, you can use the conditional form "vorrei", which means "I would like". For example, "Vorrei un caffè" means "I would like a coffee."
How do you say "we want" in Italian?
The first-person plural present tense of "volere" is "noi vogliamo", which means "we want".
