voi
/ˈvo.i/
The Italian pronoun voi means 'you' (plural) when addressing two or more people.
voi is the second-person plural pronoun used to address a group of people. While it is primarily used for groups, it can also appear in highly formal or archaic contexts as a singular form of address.
Which one should you use?
Lei is used to address someone as 'you' in formal situations. Loro can also be utilized to address someone formally. In contrast, voi is the standard plural 'you', though it is also used as a formal singular 'you' in certain highly formal or archaic contexts, though Lei is the standard formal singular.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the pronoun voi, you must conjugate the accompanying verbs in the second-person plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
voi is pronounced /ˈvo.i/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian voi is a direct linguistic cousin to the French 'vous' and the Russian 'вы', as all three descend from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root.
- In Southern Italy, voi is frequently used as a casual singular pronoun to address one person, breaking the standard rule that it must be plural.
- The use of voi as a singular address is known as the 'plurale maiestatis' or royal plural, mirroring the way English monarchs historically used 'we'.
Examples in context
- Ciao amici, come state?Hi friends, how are you?
- Voi siete molto gentili.You are very kind.
- Cosa fate voi stasera?What are you doing tonight?
- Voi avete ragione.You are right.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are talking to a group of friends at a café.
- SofiaVoi volete ordinare da bere?Do you all want to order something to drink?
- LorenzoSì, io prendo un tè.Yes, I will have a tea.
- SofiaE voi cosa prendete?And what are you all having?
- LorenzoNoi prendiamo solo acqua.We are just having water.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry voi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries voi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
