vorresti
In Italian, the English phrase 'would you like' is expressed as vorresti.
This phrase is a polite way to ask if someone wants something or wishes to do something. It is used to make requests or offers more gentle and less presumptive than the direct 'do you want'.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it translates to 'you would want'.
Which one should you use?
While vuoi means 'do you want' and is very direct, vorresti is the conditional form used to make a request more polite. If you are addressing a group of people rather than a single person, you should use vorreste.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form vorresti is the singular informal version. For a plural version used to address a group, use vorreste.
Did you know?
- While vorresti is polite, Italians often skip the 'would you like' structure entirely and simply ask ti va? which means 'does it go to you?' This is a common, slightly more casual way to propose an idea.
- In a very formal or high-end setting, the phrase 'would you like' might be replaced by the verb desiderare, as in Desidera? which literally means 'Do you desire?'
- The verb volere used in vorresti is a cognitive relative of the English word 'voluntary', as both stem from the Latin 'volo' meaning 'I wish'.
Examples in context
- Ne vorresti un po'?Would you like some?This example is useful for asking if someone would like a little bit of something using vorresti.Tatoeba #4612571 by Guybrush88, translation #3123317 by CK
- Ne vorresti uno ora?Would you like one now?This example shows how to ask if someone would like one now using vorresti.Tatoeba #3563703 by Guybrush88, translation #2892980 by CK
- Vorresti unirti a me?Would you like to join me?This example demonstrates how to ask if someone would like to join you using vorresti.Tatoeba #4722547 by Guybrush88, translation #4014498 by CK
- Vorrebbe un caffè?Would you like a coffee?
- Gradirebbe qualcosa da mangiare?Would you like something to eat?
- Desidera un bicchiere di vino?Would you like a glass of wine?
- Vuoi andare al cinema?Would you like to go to the cinema?
- Ti va una passeggiata?Would you like to go for a walk?
- Vorrebbe un caffè, per piacere?Would you like a coffee, please?
- Vorrebbe una fetta di torta?Would you like a slice of cake?
- Gradirebbe venire alla festa?Would you like to come to the party?
- Desidera un po' di pane?Would you like some bread?
- Vuoi un gelato?Would you like an ice cream?
- Ti va di andare al mare?Would you like to go to the beach?
- Vuoi qualcosa da bere?Would you like something to drink?
- 364 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are discussing plans for the evening.
- GiuliaVorresti venire al cinema con me?Would you like to come to the cinema with me?
- MatteoSì, mi piacerebbe molto.Yes, I would like that very much.
- GiuliaAllora, andiamo stasera?So, shall we go tonight?
- MatteoCertamente, sono pronto.Certainly, I am ready.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
