vorrei una pizza
The English phrase "I would like a pizza" is translated into Italian as vorrei una pizza.
You use this phrase to order a pizza or to express a desire to have one in a polite manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The word vorrei is the first-person singular conditional form of the verb volere, which means "to want" or "to wish".
Which one should you use?
While voglio una pizza is grammatically correct and means "I want a pizza", it sounds blunt or demanding in a restaurant setting. Using vorrei una pizza is the preferred way to be courteous.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rome, the phrase Vorrei una pizza, per cortesia. is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase uses the conditional mood to express a polite request, which is more courteous than using the present indicative voglio.
Did you know?
- In Italy, asking for una pizza in a restaurant usually refers to a whole pizza, as they are rarely sold by the slice in sit-down eateries.
- The word pizza may share its roots with the Byzantine Greek word píta, which means 'cake' or 'pie'.
- Italian speakers use the conditional mood in vorrei to create a 'social cushion', making the request feel like a wish rather than a command.
Examples in context
- Vorrei una pizza Margherita, per favore.I would like a Margherita pizza, please.
- Scusi, vorrei una pizza con le verdure.Excuse me, I would like a vegetable pizza.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are at a small pizzeria.
- FrancescoSofia, io vorrei una pizza, e tu?Sofia, I would like a pizza, and you?
- SofiaIo vorrei una pizza ai quattro formaggi.I would like a four-cheese pizza.
- FrancescoOttima scelta, ordino subito per noi.Great choice, I will order for us right away.
- SofiaGrazie, Francesco, ho molta fame!Thanks, Francesco, I am very hungry!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pizza, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
