vorrei ordinare
The English phrase "I would like to order" is translated into Italian as vorrei ordinare.
vorrei ordinare is a polite way to tell a server or a clerk what food or products you want to buy.
What does it mean word for word?
vorrei is the conditional form of the verb volere (to want), meaning "I would like" and ordinare is the infinitive verb meaning "to order" (as in a command or a request for goods).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the conditional mood to express a polite request. This is more appropriate for service settings than the direct voglio ordinare (I want to order).
Did you know?
- In Italian, ordinare is also the verb used for the religious act of ordaining a priest. This creates a linguistic link between requesting a pizza and the formal appointment of clergy.
- In Italy, if you order a latte instead of a caffè latte, you are literally ordering a glass of plain milk. This is because latte simply means 'milk' and is not a shorthand for the coffee drink in Italian.
- If you are at a coffee bar, you often skip the phrase vorrei ordinare and simply state the item, such as un caffè. In these fast-paced settings, starting with a full formal phrase can actually signal that you are a tourist.
Examples in context
- Vorrei ordinare da bere ora.I would like to order drinks now.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use vorrei ordinare when requesting drinks.Tatoeba #883330 by Guybrush88, translation #27106 by CC
- Vorrei ordinare la pasta alla carbonara, per favore.I would like to order the pasta alla carbonara, please.
- Vorrei ordinare una pizza Margherita.I would like to order a Margherita pizza.
- Vorrei ordinare due caffè, per favore.I would like to order two coffees, please.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a restaurant table.
- MatteoGiulia, vorrei ordinare ora. Sei pronta?Giulia, I would like to order now. Are you ready?
- GiuliaSù, guardiamo il menu un momento.Yes, let's look at the menu for a moment.
- MatteoOk, allora vorrei ordinare la pasta al pesto.Ok, then I would like to order the pesto pasta.
- GiuliaOttima scelta, io prendo la lasagna.Great choice, I'll have the lasagna.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
