ho bisogno di
The Italian phrase for "I need to" is ho bisogno di.
ho bisogno di is used to express that something is necessary for the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have need of".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can follow ho bisogno di directly with a noun to say "I need [something]".
What mistakes should you avoid?
When connecting the phrase to a verb or a noun, do not forget to include the preposition di after ho bisogno.
Did you know?
- The word bisogno is not derived from Classical Latin but was borrowed from the Frankish word *bisunnijabor via Vulgar Latin.
- In certain literary contexts, the word bisogno can be used as a noun to describe a state of total poverty or destitution.
- If an Italian says ne ho bisogno, the ne replaces the entire object being needed, allowing them to say 'I need it' without repeating the noun.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di sapere.I need to know.Tatoeba #4242838 by Guybrush88, translation #2246738 by Hybrid
- Ho bisogno di cagare.I need to shit.Tatoeba #6315207 by Guybrush88, translation #852384 by robespain
- Ho bisogno di dormire.I need to sleep.Tatoeba #2436989 by Guybrush88, translation #2387730 by CK
- Devo partire presto domani.I need to leave early tomorrow.
- Devo fare la spesa.I need to do the grocery shopping.
- Devo studiare per l'esame.I need to study for the exam.
- 337 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are at home planning their afternoon.
- MartinaHo bisogno di fare la spesa.I need to go grocery shopping.
- FrancescoTi aiuto io, Martina.I will help you, Martina.
- MartinaGrazie, Francesco, sei molto gentile.Thanks, Francesco, you are very kind.
- FrancescoDi niente, andiamo subito.You're welcome, let's go right now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bisogno, di, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
