Vi voglio bene, ragazzi
The English phrase "I love you guys" is translated into Italian as Vi voglio bene, ragazzi.
Vi voglio bene, ragazzi is an expression of affection used to tell a group of friends or family members that you care about them. Adding ragazzi at the end makes the expression feel more casual and conversational, similar to adding "guys" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Vi voglio bene literally translates to "I want well/good to you" (plural).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ragazzi is the plural form of ragazzo and is used to address a group of people, whether they are all male or a mixed-gender group.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When expressing affection for friends or family, use Vi voglio bene instead of Vi amo, which is reserved for romantic love between partners.
Did you know?
- In Italian, if you use the phrase Vi amo to a group of friends, they might think you are proposing a romantic relationship to all of them simultaneously.
- The word bene used in this phrase is a direct descendant of the Latin word bene, which also gave English the prefix 'bene-' in words like 'beneficial'.
- The term ragazzi is so versatile that it is used to address a group of adults or peers, even though its primary meaning is 'boys' or 'children'.
Examples in context
- Carissimi colleghi, Vi voglio bene! Grazie per il vostro supporto.Dear colleagues, I care about all of you! Thank you for your support.
- Vi voglio bene, ragazzi.I love you guys.
- Siete la mia famiglia, vi voglio bene, ragazzi.You are my family, I love you guys.
- Grazie di tutto, vi voglio bene, ragazzi!Thanks for everything, I love you guys!
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are saying goodbye to their group of friends after a dinner party.
- ChiaraÈ stata una serata bellissima.It was a beautiful evening.
- LorenzoSì, è stato divertente stare insieme.Yes, it was fun being together.
- ChiaraVi voglio bene, ragazzi!I love you guys!
- LorenzoAnche noi, Chiara!Us too, Chiara!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Vi, bene, vi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
