ho bisogno di soldi
The Italian phrase for "I need money" is ho bisogno di soldi.
This phrase is used to express that a person lacks the financial means to pay for something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from ho (I have), bisogno (need) and di soldi (of money).
Which one should you use?
While ho bisogno di soldi expresses a personal necessity or a lack of funds, the alternative mi servono soldi is often used more pragmatically to mean "I require money for a specific purpose".
How does it change in a sentence?
The expression avere bisogno di is a fixed construction that requires the preposition di before the noun representing the thing needed. If you want to follow the phrase with a verb, such as "I need to work", you must use the infinitive form of that verb after di.
Did you know?
- While ho bisogno di soldi is a general statement, an Italian might use the phrase essere al verde (to be at the green) to say they have no money at all.
- In a very informal or slang context, an Italian might substitute soldi with grana, which literally translates to 'grain'.
- In Italian, saying mi servono soldi literally translates to 'money is serving me', treating the money as the active subject that performs a service.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di soldi.I need money.This sentence is useful for expressing the direct statement "I need money" using ho bisogno di soldi.Tatoeba #1625366 by Guybrush88, translation #436861 by lukaszpp
- Ho bisogno di un po' di soldi per pagare l'affitto.I need a bit of money to pay the rent.
- Ho bisogno di soldi per l'affitto.I need money for the rent.
- In questo momento ho bisogno di soldi.Right now, I need money.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their monthly budget.
- GiuliaFrancesco, ho bisogno di soldi per il viaggio.Francesco, I need money for the trip.
- FrancescoAnche io ho bisogno di soldi questo mese.I also need money this month.
- GiuliaHai un lavoro nuovo?Do you have a new job?
- FrancescoSì, ma non ho ancora lo stipendio.Yes, but I don't have my salary yet.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
