Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| volō | |
| cupio | [ˈkʊ.pi.oː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkuː.pi.o] (narrow) |
| desidero | [deːˈsiː.dɛ.roː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [deˈs̬iː.de.ro] (narrow) |
These verbs are used to express the act of hoping for or desiring an outcome. While they all translate to 'wish' or 'want', they differ in intensity and emotional tone.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on the nature of the wish. volō is a neutral verb used for simple volitions or stating what one wants. cupio is a stronger form used to express an intense desire or a longing for something. desidero is an emotional form that often carries the connotation of missing something or feeling a sense of loss.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using cupio to express a wish for an outcome involving another subject, it is typically followed by a clause starting with ut and a verb in the subjunctive mood, such as ut … possit (that … he/she/it may be able to). Additionally, the formula Utinam followed by a subjunctive verb is used to introduce a wish that is contrary to reality.
Did you know?
- The word desidero is a linguistic cousin to cōnsīderō, the root of the English word 'consider'. Both words link the act of thinking or wishing to the stars.
Examples in context
- Cupio ut feles mea loqui possit.I wish my cat could talk.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish about a pet using cupio.Tatoeba #13883020 by rul, translation #13881443 by rul
- Cupio ut Iaponiam visitare possim.I wish I could go to Japan.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish about travel using cupio.Tatoeba #7011652 by RudeGuyGames, translation #1393 by CK
- Cupio ut omnia mihi problemata eiciantur.I wish all my problems would go away.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish for problems to disappear using cupio.Tatoeba #7011639 by RudeGuyGames, translation #7010746 by CK
- Opto tibi omnes felicitates.I wish you all the happiness.
- Cupio bene vivere.I wish to live well.
- Vellem potius aequoribus navigare.I wish I could sail the seas instead.
- Utinam vincam.I wish I would win (even though it's unlikely).
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Lucia are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- GaiusVolō ut hīc maneāmus.I wish that we could stay here.
- LuciaSed tempus nōs vocat, Gaie.But time calls us, Gaius.
- GaiusVellem diēs longior esset.I wish the day were longer.
- LuciaEgo quoque id volō, amice.I wish for that too, friend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wish” translations and entries cupio, desidero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cupio, desidero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
