vorrei
The English phrase "I would like" is translated into Italian as vorrei.
vorrei is a polite way to express a wish or to request something. When you use vorrei followed by another verb, that second verb must be in the infinitive form, such as vorrei mangiare (I would like to eat). If you wish to express an action you would like to do using a different structure, you can use mi piacerebbe followed by a verb infinitive.
Which one should you use?
While voglio means "I want", vorrei is the preferred polite form for making requests in settings like restaurants or shops to avoid sounding demanding. If you want to express a higher level of politeness, you can use gradirei, which emphasizes politeness or desidererei, which is a slightly more formal term that can be used interchangeably with vorrei.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "he/she would like", you must change the form from vorrei to vorrebbe.
Did you know?
- Despite the polite meaning of vorrei, the root verb volere can be used in the phrase voler dire, which has nothing to do with wanting and instead means 'to mean'.
- The word vorrei comes from the verb volere, which is also used in the common phrase volere è poter, meaning 'where there is a will, there is a way'.
- In very formal Italian, gradirei is often used specifically when accepting an offer, such as when a host asks if you would like more wine.
Examples in context
- Vorrei fare di più.I would like to do more.Tatoeba #1142792 by Guybrush88, translation #1142794 by CM
- Io vorrei una mela.I would like an apple.Tatoeba #3569834 by Guybrush88, translation #2716915 by CM
- Io vorrei una stanza.I would like a room.Tatoeba #4251618 by Guybrush88, translation #4251425 by Linda_Li
- Vorrei un caffè, per favoreI would like a coffee, please
- Gradirei avere un appuntamentoI would like to have an appointment
- Desidererei prenotare una cameraI would like to book a room
- Vorrei un gelatoI would like an ice cream
- Desidererei una birraI would like a beer
- Mi piacerebbe andare al cinema staseraI would like to go to the movies tonight
- Mi piacerebbe imparare l'italianoI would like to learn Italian
- Mi piacerebbe visitare Roma durante le vacanzeI would like to visit Rome during the holidays
- Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per due, per favoreI would like to book a table for two, please
- Gradirei avere l'opportunità di lavorare con voiI would like to have the opportunity to work with you
- 328 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are at a cafe.
- AlessandroCiao Sofia, cosa vorrei ordinare oggi?Hi Sofia, what would I like to order today?
- SofiaNon lo so, chiedi al cameriere.I don't know, ask the waiter.
- AlessandroScusi, vorrei un caffè e un cornetto.Excuse me, I would like a coffee and a croissant.
- SofiaOttima scelta, Alessandro!Great choice, Alessandro!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
