Vorrei ordinare
The English phrase "I want to order" is translated into Italian as Vorrei ordinare.
Vorrei ordinare is a polite way to say "I would like to order." Depending on your intent, other options include Potrei ordinare for "Could I order" and the slightly more assertive Desidero ordinare for "I wish to order." If you are ordering a specific item rather than stating the intent to order, it is very common in many Italian restaurants to use the verb prendere (to take) instead, such as in Vorrei prendere… to mean "I would like to take/have…".
Which one should you use?
Voglio ordinare is the direct translation of "I want to order," but while it is grammatically correct, it sounds blunt and demanding in a restaurant setting compared to the more polite Vorrei ordinare. For informal situations, you can also use the phrase Prendo to mean "I'll have" or "I take" when ordering specific items.
Did you know?
- In some traditional regions, it is considered impolite to order 'extra' ingredients in a classic dish, as it suggests the chef's original order is wrong.
- In many Italian regions, instead of saying Vorrei ordinare, locals often simply catch the waiter's eye and say Siamo pronti to signal 'we are ready'.
- The verb ordinare also means 'to tidy up' or 'to arrange' a room, coming from the idea of putting things in a specific order.
Examples in context
- Vorrei ordinare una pizza Margherita.I would like to order a Margherita pizza.
- Vorrei ordinare qualcosa da bere.I would like to order something to drink.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are at a restaurant.
- GiuliaSono pronta, vorrei ordinare adesso.I am ready, I want to order now.
- AlessandroAnche io, cosa prendi, Giulia?Me too, what are you getting, Giulia?
- GiuliaPrendo gli spaghetti alle vongole.I'll have the spaghetti with clams.
- AlessandroOttima scelta, io prendo il risotto.Great choice, I'll have the risotto.
