ti voglio
The Italian phrase for "I want you" is ti voglio.
This phrase is used to express a strong romantic or sexual desire for another person.
Which one should you use?
In a romantic context, ti voglio implies physical or sexual desire, whereas ti amo is used for deep, romantic love. Additionally, adding bene to the phrase, making it ti voglio bene, completely changes the meaning from sexual or romantic desire to platonic or familial affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun ti is the informal singular form of "you". If speaking to more than one person, the phrase would change to vi voglio. Adding bene to the phrase changes the meaning from sexual/romantic desire to platonic or familial affection.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the distinction between ti voglio and ti voglio bene is so sharp that using the former with a family member would be an accidental and shocking sexual proposition.
- The word voglio is the first person present indicative of volere, which is the same root used for the English word 'volunteer', meaning someone who 'wants' to act.
- The word bene in ti voglio bene literally translates to 'well', turning the phrase into 'I want you well'.
Examples in context
- Ti voglio con me.I want you with me.This example shows how to use ti voglio to say you want someone with you.Tatoeba #5478902 by Guybrush88, translation #3393236 by CK
- Io ti voglio, Tom.I want you, Tom.This example demonstrates using ti voglio to address a specific person.Tatoeba #2559252 by Guybrush88, translation #2011313 by CK
- Ti voglio e basta.I want you and that's it.This example shows how to use ti voglio to express that your desire is absolute.Tatoeba #11577991 by Nuel, translation #11577989 by Nuel
- Desidero averla.I desire to have you.
- Ti voglio.I want you.
- Ho voglia di te.I have a desire for you.
- Ti desidero tantissimo.I desire you so much.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is having an intimate moment at home.
- ChiaraTi voglio davvero tanto.I really want you so much.
- FrancescoAnche io ti voglio, Chiara.I want you too, Chiara.
- ChiaraSei bellissimo.You are beautiful.
- FrancescoVieni qui con me.Come here with me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
