vorrei essere lì
The English phrase 'I wish I was there' is translated into Italian as vorrei essere lì.
This phrase is used to express a sense of regret or longing when you want to be in a different location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vorrei (I would like), essere (to be) and lì (there).
Which one should you use?
You can replace lì with là in the phrase vorrei essere là without changing the meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb vorrei is the conditional form of volere (to want), which is used here to express a polite or hypothetical wish.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using voglio (I want) to express this feeling, as it can sound more demanding than the more common and wistful vorrei (I would like).
Examples in context
- Vorrei essere lì con te.I wish I was there with you.
- È una festa bellissima, vorrei essere lì.It is a beautiful party, I wish I was there.
- Guardo le tue foto e vorrei essere lì.I look at your photos and I wish I was there.
Example conversation
Sofia is telling Alessandro about her wonderful vacation in the mountains.
- AlessandroCom'è il tempo in montagna?How is the weather in the mountains?
- SofiaÈ stupendo, il sole splende sempre!It is wonderful, the sun is always shining!
- AlessandroChe invidia, vorrei essere lì.I'm so jealous, I wish I was there.
- SofiaAnche io vorrei che tu fossi con me.I also wish you were with me.
