Which one should you use?
While Voglio is the standard way to say "I want", you may encounter other forms depending on the context. Vorrei means "I would like", and desidero means "I desire".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Voglio is direct and can sound demanding. For more polite situations, such as ordering in restaurants or making requests, the preferred form is Vorrei ("I would like"). Desidero is a slightly more formal alternative to Voglio.
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject pronoun io (I) is often omitted because the verb ending uniquely identifies the first-person singular. When Voglio is followed by a clause involving another person, such as "I want you to go", it must be followed by che and use the subjunctive mood.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the infinitive form volere when you mean to say "I want". You must use the conjugated form Voglio.
Did you know?
- The phrase Che vuoi? (What do you want?) is frequently used as a colloquial way to say 'What's wrong?' or 'What's the matter?' when someone looks upset.
- The verb volere is a distant relative of the English word 'volunteer', as both stem from the Latin root for wanting or willing something.
- The phrase Voglio dire does not mean 'I want to say' in a literal sense, but is used as a filler phrase meaning 'I mean' or 'that is to say'.
Examples in context
- Io voglio il fan.I want the fan.This example shows how to use Voglio to express wanting a specific object.Tatoeba #1271702 by Guybrush88, translation #273343 by CK
- Io ne voglio uno!I want one!This sentence demonstrates using Voglio to express wanting one of something.Tatoeba #1758561 by Guybrush88, translation #1749476 by Spamster
- È ciò che voglio.That's what I want.This sentence illustrates using Voglio to express a specific desire or goal.Tatoeba #2620133 by Guybrush88, translation #1897826 by CK
- Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per due, per favore.I would like to reserve a table for two, please.
- Vorrei acquistare un biglietto per l'opera.I would like to buy a ticket for the opera.
- Voglio vedere un film stasera.I want to watch a movie tonight.
- Voglio mangiare una pizza per cena.I want to eat pizza for dinner.
- Voglio comprare una nuova macchina.I want to buy a new car.
- Desidero andare al cinema questa sera.I want to go to the cinema tonight.
- Desidero un gelato al cioccolato, per favore.I want a chocolate ice cream, please.
- Desidero fare una passeggiata in spiaggia.I want to take a stroll on the beach.
- Voglio davvero un caffè.I really want a coffee.
- Vorrei assolutamente visitare Firenze.I absolutely want to visit Florence.
- Desidero tanto una vacanza rilassante.I really want a relaxing vacation.
- 5490 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- SofiaVoglio la pizza Margherita.I want a Margherita pizza.
- MatteoAnche io la voglio.I want it too.
- SofiaOrdiniamo anche la birra?Shall we order beer too?
- MatteoSì, voglio una birra fredda.Yes, I want a cold beer.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
