What does it mean word for word?
una is the feminine singular indefinite article, which must match the feminine noun pizza, meaning 'a pizza'.
Which one should you use?
While voglio una pizza is grammatically correct, it can sound blunt or demanding to a native speaker compared to the more polite vorrei.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Naples, you might say Voglio una pizza napoletana to mean 'I want a Neapolitan pizza' or simply Una pizza, per favore. In Rome, you may use the phrase Vorrei una pizza romana to mean 'I would like a Roman-style pizza'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express a desire for more than one pizza, the noun changes to its plural form: voglio le pizze. When ordering, using the conditional form vorrei instead of voglio is the standard way to express a desire politely. You can also use the phrase Scusi, vorrei ordinare una pizza margherita, per favore. to say 'Excuse me, I would like to order a Margherita pizza, please.'
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Voglio una pizza margherita.I want a margherita pizza.
- Non ho fame, ma voglio una pizza.I'm not hungry, but I want a pizza.
- Voglio una pizza con le patatine.I want a pizza with fries.
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to order for dinner.
- AlessandroCosa ordiniamo per cena?What are we ordering for dinner?
- ChiaraIo non lo so, cosa vuoi?I don't know, what do you want?
- AlessandroVoglio una pizza.I want a pizza.
- ChiaraVa bene, Alessandro, ordiniamo una pizza.Okay, Alessandro, let's order a pizza.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pizza, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
