A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I would like" in Italian
The polite Italian way to say 'I would like' when ordering or making a request.
Vorrei
vor-RAYneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're ordering food or drinks in a restaurant or bar, or when asking for something in a shop. It's the standard polite way to make a request.
Alternatives
- Mi piacerebbeSlightly more formal, often used for desires beyond immediate requests.
- VoglioToo direct and potentially rude; use only if you're very sure of the context.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'Vorrei' with 'Vorrei che'
'Vorrei' is followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., Vorrei mangiare), not a clause starting with 'che'.
Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly
The Italian 'r' is a light tap of the tongue, not a rolled 'r' like in Spanish.
A small cultural note
While 'Vorrei' is polite, Italians often use it very frequently, so it's not as reserved as 'I would like' can sometimes feel in English.
Frequently asked
How to say I want something in Italian politely?
The most common polite way is 'Vorrei'. It's suitable for ordering in restaurants or shops.
Is 'Vorrei' formal or informal?
'Vorrei' is considered neutral and is appropriate for most situations, including speaking to strangers.
What's the difference between Vorrei and Voglio?
'Vorrei' means 'I would like' and is polite, while 'Voglio' means 'I want' and can sound demanding or rude.
