At the A1 level, 'volere' is introduced as a fundamental verb for expressing basic desires and needs. Learners are taught the present indicative conjugations (voglio, vuoi, vuole, vogliamo, volete, vogliono) and how to use them with simple nouns (e.g., 'Voglio un caffè') and infinitive verbs (e.g., 'Voglio mangiare'). Emphasis is placed on understanding and forming simple affirmative and negative sentences. The focus is on practical, immediate wants. Examples include asking for food or drink, stating what one wants to do right now, or expressing a simple wish. The conditional 'vorrei' might be introduced as a polite alternative for requests, but the core focus remains on the indicative mood for basic expression of 'want'.
Building on A1, A2 learners expand their use of 'volere' to include more complex sentence structures and a wider range of contexts. They learn to use 'volere' in questions more fluently ('Cosa vuoi fare?'), and to express wants about future plans ('Voglio andare in vacanza'). The negation 'non volere' is solidified. Learners also start to understand the nuance of 'volere' versus other verbs like 'avere bisogno di' (to need) and 'avere voglia di' (to feel like). The conditional 'vorrei' becomes more prominent for polite requests in everyday situations like ordering in a restaurant or asking for favors.
At the B1 level, learners are expected to use 'volere' with greater accuracy and flexibility. They can express more abstract desires and intentions ('Voglio imparare l'italiano per lavoro'). The verb is used in a wider variety of tenses, including the past (e.g., 'Volevo dirti una cosa' - I wanted to tell you something) and the conditional for hypothetical situations ('Se potessi, vorrei viaggiare di più'). Learners can also discuss what others want, using third-person conjugations confidently. They begin to differentiate 'volere' from more formal verbs like 'desiderare' and understand its role in expressing personal will and motivation.
B2 learners demonstrate a sophisticated command of 'volere', using it in nuanced ways and understanding its implications in different registers. They can employ 'volere' to express strong opinions, demands, or even stubbornness ('Voglio che tu capisca!'). They are comfortable using it in complex sentences involving subordinate clauses and can differentiate its usage from related verbs like 'pretendere' (to demand) or 'aspirare a' (to aspire to). The conditional 'vorrei' is used naturally for polite requests and suggestions, and learners understand when the indicative 'voglio' might be too direct or even impolite.
C1 learners have a near-native command of 'volere'. They can utilize it to express subtle shades of meaning, irony, or sarcasm. For instance, 'Vuoi che ti dica la verità?' might be rhetorical, implying the speaker doesn't really want to hear it. They can analyze literary or philosophical texts where 'volere' might be used to discuss concepts like free will ('il libero arbitrio') or ambition. Their understanding extends to idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases involving 'volere'. They can also discuss the etymological roots and historical evolution of the verb's meaning.
At the C2 level, 'volere' is integrated seamlessly into the learner's linguistic repertoire. They can use it with complete mastery across all registers and contexts, demonstrating an intuitive understanding of its connotations and pragmatic functions. This includes recognizing and employing subtle idiomatic uses, understanding its role in highly specialized discourse, and analyzing its semantic range in literary criticism or linguistic studies. They can articulate the precise difference between 'volere' and its closest synonyms in highly specific contexts, showcasing a deep linguistic sensitivity.

volere 30 सेकंड में

  • Expresses desire, wish, or need.
  • Essential for basic communication in Italian.
  • Used for objects, actions, and intentions.
  • Irregular verb; conjugation must be memorized.
Core Meaning
The Italian verb 'volere' is the direct equivalent of the English verb 'to want'. It expresses a desire, a wish, or a need for something or for someone to do something.
Usage Scenarios
'Volere' is incredibly versatile and used in everyday conversations. You'll hear it when people express personal desires, make requests, state intentions, or even when talking about what someone else wants. It's one of the most fundamental verbs in Italian, essential for basic communication.
Expressing Needs and Desires
At its simplest, 'volere' is used to state what you want. For instance, if you're in a café, you might say 'Voglio un caffè' (I want a coffee). This is a direct expression of a personal desire. It can also be used for more abstract desires, like wanting happiness or success.
Making Requests
'Volere' can be softened to make polite requests, often by using the conditional mood ('vorrei'). However, in informal settings, a direct 'volere' can also function as a request, especially if the context is clear. For example, 'Voglio sapere la verità' (I want to know the truth) is a strong statement of desire for information.
Stating Intentions
It's also used to express what you intend to do. 'Voglio andare in Italia quest'estate' (I want to go to Italy this summer) clearly states a future intention. This usage highlights the proactive aspect of wanting something to happen.
Referring to Others' Desires
You can also talk about what other people want. 'Maria vuole un nuovo libro' (Maria wants a new book) is a simple statement about Maria's desire. This shows how 'volere' can be conjugated to refer to different subjects.

If you want to learn Italian, you must practice every day. Se volere imparare l'italiano, devi praticare ogni giorno.

I don't want to go to bed yet. Non voglio andare a letto ancora.

He wants a glass of water. Lui vuole un bicchiere d'acqua.

What do you want to eat? Cosa vuoi mangiare?

We want to visit Rome next year. Noi vogliamo visitare Roma l'anno prossimo.

Basic Structure
The fundamental structure for using 'volere' is: Subject + volere (conjugated) + Object (noun or infinitive verb). For example, 'Io voglio un libro' (I want a book) or 'Io voglio leggere' (I want to read). The conjugation of 'volere' changes depending on the subject pronoun.
With Nouns (Direct Objects)
When you want a specific thing, you follow 'volere' with the noun. Remember to use the correct article if needed. 'Voglio una mela' (I want an apple). 'Lui vuole la macchina nuova' (He wants the new car). 'Noi vogliamo più tempo' (We want more time).
With Infinitive Verbs (Actions)
To express wanting to do something, 'volere' is followed by the infinitive form of the verb. 'Voglio mangiare la pizza' (I want to eat pizza). 'Tu vuoi dormire?' (Do you want to sleep?). 'Voi volete viaggiare?' (Do you want to travel?).
Negation
To say you *don't* want something, place 'non' before the conjugated verb. 'Non voglio questo' (I don't want this). 'Non vuole andare' (He/She doesn't want to go). 'Non vogliamo aspettare' (We don't want to wait).
Questions
Questions are typically formed by changing intonation or by reordering the sentence, often placing the subject after the verb for emphasis or clarity. 'Vuoi un caffè?' (Do you want a coffee?). 'Cosa vuoi fare stasera?' (What do you want to do tonight?). 'Loro vogliono partire?' (Do they want to leave?).
Using 'Volere' with modal verbs
'Volere' itself can be used with other modal verbs to express complex desires or intentions. For example, 'Posso volere' (I can want) is grammatically correct but rarely used. More commonly, 'volere' is the main verb expressing desire, and other verbs express the action desired.
Expressing Stronger Wants
While 'voglio' is direct, adding adverbs can intensify the want. 'Voglio davvero imparare' (I really want to learn). 'Voglio assolutamente quel vestito' (I absolutely want that dress).

I want to speak Italian. Voglio parlare italiano.

Do you want a coffee? Vuoi un caffè?

She doesn't want to go to the party. Lei non vuole andare alla festa.

We want to buy a house. Noi vogliamo comprare una casa.

What do they want?

Everyday Transactions
In shops, restaurants, and cafés, 'volere' is ubiquitous. A customer might say, 'Vorrei un cappuccino, per favore' (I would like a cappuccino, please) or, more directly, 'Voglio un gelato' (I want an ice cream). A shop assistant might ask, 'Cosa desidera?' (What would you like?), which is a more formal way of asking what the customer wants, but the underlying meaning is the same as 'Cosa vuole?'.
Family and Friends
Among family and friends, 'volere' is used constantly to express personal desires and make requests. 'Voglio giocare!' (I want to play!) is common from children. Adults might say, 'Voglio andare al cinema stasera' (I want to go to the cinema tonight) or 'Volete venire con noi?' (Do you want to come with us?).
Workplace Interactions
In a professional setting, the politeness of 'vorrei' is often preferred, but 'volere' can still appear. A manager might say, 'Voglio che questo progetto sia completato entro venerdì' (I want this project to be completed by Friday). An employee might state, 'Voglio chiedere un aumento' (I want to ask for a raise).
Expressing Opinions and Intentions
People use 'volere' to express their will and intentions in discussions. 'Voglio la verità' (I want the truth) is a strong declaration. 'Non voglio sentirne parlare' (I don't want to hear about it) expresses a firm refusal. 'Vogliamo un futuro migliore' (We want a better future) is a common aspiration.
Media and Public Discourse
You'll hear 'volere' in news reports, political speeches, and interviews. A politician might say, 'Vogliamo garantire la sicurezza dei cittadini' (We want to guarantee the safety of citizens). A commentator might analyze what a certain group 'vuole' (wants).
Songs and Literature
Love songs often express intense desires using 'volere': 'Voglio te' (I want you). Literature uses it to reveal characters' motivations and conflicts. A character might be driven by what they 'vogliono' (want).

In a restaurant: 'Vorrei un tavolo per due, per favore.' (I would like a table for two, please.)

A child saying: 'Voglio un gelato adesso!' (I want an ice cream now!)

Friends discussing plans: 'Cosa volete fare questo weekend?' (What do you guys want to do this weekend?)

Discussing a movie: 'Volevo dirti che il film è molto bello.' (I wanted to tell you that the movie is very good.)

A political statement: 'Vogliamo pace e giustizia.' (We want peace and justice.)

Incorrect Conjugation
The most frequent mistake for learners is using the wrong conjugation. Forgetting that 'volere' is irregular can lead to errors like 'Io vuole' instead of 'Io voglio'. It's crucial to memorize the present indicative forms: voglio, vuoi, vuole, vogliamo, volete, vogliono.
Using 'Volere' for 'To Like' or 'To Have'
Learners sometimes confuse 'volere' with verbs like 'piacere' (to like) or 'avere' (to have). For example, saying 'Voglio un amico' (I want a friend) is correct if you're looking for a new acquaintance, but if you mean 'I have a friend', you should use 'Ho un amico'. Similarly, if you like something, you use 'Mi piace' (It pleases me), not 'Voglio questo' unless you specifically want to possess it.
Overuse of the Indicative for Requests
While 'voglio' is technically correct for 'I want', it can sound demanding or even rude in many contexts, especially when making requests. Italians frequently use the conditional 'vorrei' (I would like) for politeness. Saying 'Voglio un caffè' to a waiter can be perceived as abrupt; 'Vorrei un caffè' is much better.
Incorrect Verb After 'Volere'
When 'volere' is followed by another verb indicating an action, that second verb must be in the infinitive form. A common error is to conjugate the second verb incorrectly. For instance, 'Voglio mangio la pizza' is wrong; it should be 'Voglio mangiare la pizza' (I want to eat pizza). Another mistake might be using a past participle instead of the infinitive.
Confusing 'Volere' with 'Dovere'
'Dovere' means 'must' or 'to have to'. While both express a form of necessity or strong inclination, they are distinct. 'Voglio andare' means 'I want to go', expressing desire. 'Devo andare' means 'I have to go', expressing obligation. Confusing them can change the meaning entirely.
Forgetting 'Non' for Negation
When expressing that you *don't* want something, the negation 'non' is essential and must precede the verb. Omitting it changes a negative statement to a positive one. For example, 'Voglio andare' means 'I want to go', while 'Non voglio andare' means 'I don't want to go'.

Incorrect: Io vuole studiare.

Correct: Io voglio studiare.

Incorrect: Voglio un amico.

Correct: Ho un amico. (If meaning 'I have a friend')

Incorrect: Voglio un caffè.

Correct (polite): Vorrei un caffè.

Incorrect: Voglio mangio.

Correct: Voglio mangiare.

Incorrect: Voglio partire.

Correct: Devo partire. (If meaning 'I have to leave')

Desiderare (to desire, to wish)
'Desiderare' is a more formal and often more intense way of expressing a wish or a strong desire. While 'volere' is used for everyday wants, 'desiderare' is common in literature, formal speeches, or when expressing deep longing. For example, 'Desidero la tua felicità' (I desire your happiness) sounds more profound than 'Voglio la tua felicità'. In everyday conversation, 'volere' is far more common.
Avere voglia di (to feel like, to fancy)
'Avere voglia di' expresses a feeling or a craving for something, often more spontaneous than a deliberate 'want'. It's very common in informal speech. 'Ho voglia di pizza' (I feel like pizza / I fancy pizza) is more common than 'Voglio la pizza' if you're just expressing a craving. It can also be followed by an infinitive: 'Ho voglia di uscire' (I feel like going out).
Avere bisogno di (to need)
This phrase expresses a necessity or a requirement, which is different from a desire. 'Ho bisogno di aiuto' means 'I need help'. While you might *want* help, the primary expression here is the *need*. 'Volere' is about desire, 'avere bisogno di' is about necessity.
Potere (can, to be able to)
'Potere' deals with ability or permission. It's not a direct synonym for 'volere'. For example, 'Posso venire?' (Can I come?) asks about permission or possibility, whereas 'Voglio venire' (I want to come) expresses desire. However, they can sometimes be used in related contexts, like 'Voglio poter viaggiare' (I want to be able to travel).
Dovere (must, to have to)
As mentioned in common mistakes, 'dovere' signifies obligation or necessity. 'Devo studiare' (I must study) is an obligation, while 'Voglio studiare' (I want to study) is a desire. The distinction is crucial for conveying the correct meaning.
Preferire (to prefer)
'Preferire' indicates a choice between two or more options. 'Preferisco il tè al caffè' (I prefer tea to coffee) is about liking one thing more than another, whereas 'Voglio il tè' (I want tea) is a direct statement of desire for that specific item.

Formal desire: Desidero una vita felice.

Everyday want: Voglio una vita felice.

Craving: Ho voglia di pasta.

Direct want: Voglio la pasta.

Necessity: Ho bisogno di dormire.

Desire: Voglio dormire.

Ability: Posso aiutarti.

Desire: Voglio aiutarti.

Obligation: Devo lavorare.

Desire: Voglio lavorare.

उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका

UK /ˈvɔʎʎɛrɛ/

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

Io voglio una mela.

I want an apple.

Basic subject-verb-object structure with a noun.

2

Tu vuoi dormire?

Do you want to sleep?

Question formation with an infinitive verb.

3

Lei vuole un caffè.

She wants a coffee.

Third-person singular conjugation with a noun.

4

Noi vogliamo giocare.

We want to play.

First-person plural conjugation with an infinitive verb.

5

Voi volete andare a casa?

Do you (plural) want to go home?

Second-person plural question with an infinitive verb.

6

Loro vogliono un gelato.

They want an ice cream.

Third-person plural conjugation with a noun.

7

Non voglio aspettare.

I don't want to wait.

Negation with 'non' and an infinitive verb.

8

Cosa vuoi?

What do you want?

Simple question asking for a want.

1

Voglio imparare l'italiano.

I want to learn Italian.

Expressing a desire to learn a skill.

2

Lui vuole comprare una macchina nuova.

He wants to buy a new car.

Expressing a desire for a future purchase.

3

Lei non vuole andare alla festa.

She doesn't want to go to the party.

Negation of a desire to attend an event.

4

Cosa volete fare stasera?

What do you (plural) want to do tonight?

Asking about plans for the evening.

5

Volevamo visitare Roma l'anno prossimo.

We wanted to visit Rome next year.

Using the imperfect tense to express a past desire for the future.

6

Mio fratello vuole un nuovo computer.

My brother wants a new computer.

Expressing a desire for a specific item.

7

Non vogliamo più aspettare qui.

We don't want to wait here anymore.

Expressing a desire to stop waiting.

8

Chi vuole venire con noi al cinema?

Who wants to come with us to the cinema?

Inviting someone to join an activity.

1

Voglio che tu capisca la mia situazione.

I want you to understand my situation.

Using 'volere che' followed by the subjunctive mood.

2

Se avessi tempo, vorrei viaggiare per il mondo.

If I had time, I would like to travel the world.

Using the conditional mood for hypothetical desires.

3

Non volevo disturbarti, ma ho bisogno di parlarti.

I didn't want to bother you, but I need to talk to you.

Using the imperfect tense to express a past intention or softened desire.

4

Cosa vuole ottenere con questa azione?

What does he/she want to achieve with this action?

Expressing a desire for an outcome or goal.

5

Vorrei chiederti un favore, se non ti dispiace.

I would like to ask you a favor, if you don't mind.

Polite request using the conditional.

6

I miei genitori vogliono che io studi medicina.

My parents want me to study medicine.

Expressing parental wishes using 'volere che' + subjunctive.

7

Non voglio più sentir parlare di questo argomento.

I don't want to hear about this topic anymore.

Expressing a strong desire to avoid a subject.

8

Cosa desidera veramente dalla vita?

What does he/she truly desire from life?

Using 'desiderare' for a deeper, more profound want.

1

Voglio che tu mi dica la verità, senza nascondere nulla.

I want you to tell me the truth, without hiding anything.

Emphasizing the desire for complete honesty.

2

Vorrei che fossi qui con me in questo momento.

I wish you were here with me right now.

Expressing a hypothetical regret or longing using the subjunctive.

3

Nonostante le difficoltà, vogliono perseverare nel loro progetto.

Despite the difficulties, they want to persevere in their project.

Expressing determination and persistence.

4

Cosa vuole dimostrare con questa affermazione audace?

What does he/she want to prove with this bold statement?

Interrogative about the intention behind a statement.

5

Mi chiedo se voglia davvero aiutarci o se abbia altri scopi.

I wonder if he/she truly wants to help us or if they have other motives.

Expressing doubt about someone's true intentions.

6

La sua ambizione è tale che vuole raggiungere le vette più alte.

His/Her ambition is such that he/she wants to reach the highest peaks.

Using 'volere' to express extreme ambition.

7

Non voglio sentirmi dire che è troppo tardi.

I don't want to be told that it's too late.

Expressing a desire to avoid a certain outcome or statement.

8

Vuoi che ti spieghi il concetto più in dettaglio?

Do you want me to explain the concept in more detail?

Offering to provide more information.

1

Voglio che si ponga fine a questa ingiustizia una volta per tutte.

I want this injustice to end once and for all.

Expressing a strong, definitive desire for societal change.

2

Vorrei poterti offrire una soluzione definitiva, ma non è in mio potere.

I wish I could offer you a definitive solution, but it's not within my power.

Expressing a hypothetical desire that cannot be fulfilled.

3

La sua determinazione nel voler raggiungere l'obiettivo è ammirevole.

His/Her determination in wanting to achieve the goal is admirable.

Using the infinitive 'voler' after a preposition to express persistent desire.

4

Cosa vuole veramente il popolo sovrano?

What does the sovereign people truly want?

A rhetorical question about collective desire and political will.

5

Mi chiedo se le sue parole celino un desiderio recondito.

I wonder if his/her words hide a hidden desire.

Expressing suspicion about underlying motivations.

6

L'artista vuole trasmettere un messaggio di speranza attraverso la sua opera.

The artist wants to convey a message of hope through his/her work.

Expressing an artistic intention and message.

7

Non voglio che la mia eredità sia ricordata solo per questo.

I don't want my legacy to be remembered only for this.

Expressing a desire for a broader or different perception of one's legacy.

8

Vuoi che ti illustri le implicazioni di tale scelta?

Do you want me to illustrate the implications of such a choice?

Offering a detailed explanation of consequences.

1

Vogliono che il sistema venga riformato radicalmente, non solo parzialmente corretto.

They want the system to be radically reformed, not just partially corrected.

Expressing a desire for deep, systemic transformation.

2

Vorrei che si potesse tornare indietro e cambiare il corso degli eventi.

I wish one could go back and change the course of events.

Expressing a profound, unfulfillable desire for temporal alteration.

3

La sua ostinazione nel voler perseguire quella strada, nonostante gli avvertimenti, è quasi patologica.

His/Her stubbornness in wanting to pursue that path, despite the warnings, is almost pathological.

Describing an obsessive and potentially self-destructive desire.

4

Cosa vuole veramente l'anima umana?

What does the human soul truly want?

A profound, existential question about fundamental human desires.

5

Non si può negare che le sue azioni riflettano un desiderio latente di potere.

It cannot be denied that his/her actions reflect a latent desire for power.

Analyzing hidden motivations and desires.

6

Il regista vuole che lo spettatore si immedesimi completamente nel personaggio.

The director wants the viewer to identify completely with the character.

Expressing an artistic goal related to audience engagement.

7

Non voglio che questa conversazione venga fraintesa come un'ammissione di colpa.

I do not want this conversation to be misunderstood as an admission of guilt.

Expressing a desire to control the interpretation of one's words.

8

Vuoi che ti fornisca un'analisi comparativa delle diverse opzioni?

Do you want me to provide a comparative analysis of the different options?

Offering a comprehensive analytical overview.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

volere bene
volere sapere
volere fare
volere qualcosa
volere di più
volere che
volere partire
volere tornare
volere provare
volere aiutare

सामान्य वाक्यांश

Voglio un caffè.

— I want a coffee. A direct and common request.

Al bar, ho detto: 'Voglio un caffè, per favore'.

Cosa vuoi?

— What do you want? A direct question asking for someone's desire.

Mi ha chiesto: 'Cosa vuoi?', e io ho risposto: 'Niente, grazie'.

Non voglio.

— I don't want to. A clear refusal or statement of disinclination.

Mi hanno offerto un lavoro, ma ho risposto: 'Non voglio'.

Voglio andare.

— I want to go. Expresses a desire to leave or move.

Dopo una lunga giornata, ho detto ai miei amici: 'Voglio andare'.

Vorrei...

— I would like... A polite way to express a want or make a request.

Al ristorante, ho iniziato dicendo: 'Vorrei ordinare la pasta'.

Voglio sapere.

— I want to know. Expresses a desire for information.

Quando ho sentito la notizia, ho detto: 'Voglio sapere tutto'.

Voglio farlo.

— I want to do it. Expresses enthusiasm or determination to perform an action.

Mi hanno proposto una sfida, e io ho risposto: 'Voglio farlo!'

Cosa vuoi fare?

— What do you want to do? A common question to inquire about someone's intentions or plans.

Durante il weekend, mi hanno chiesto: 'Cosa vuoi fare?'

Non voglio più.

— I don't want anymore. Expresses a desire to stop or cease something.

Dopo aver mangiato a sufficienza, ho detto: 'Non voglio più'.

Voglio te.

— I want you. Often used in romantic contexts to express strong desire.

Nella canzone, il cantante diceva: 'Voglio te, solo te'.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"Volere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca"

— Literally: To want the barrel full and the wife drunk. This idiom means to want to have two mutually exclusive things, to be greedy, or to want the impossible.

Non puoi avere entrambe le cose, non si può volere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca.

Proverbial
"Volere i propri diritti"

— To want one's rights. To stand up for what one is entitled to.

È giusto volere i propri diritti e non farsi calpestare.

General
"Volere il bene di qualcuno"

— To want the good of someone. To wish well for someone.

Io ti voglio il bene, per questo ti do questo consiglio.

Affectionate
"Volere la pace"

— To want peace. A common expression of desire for tranquility and absence of conflict.

Tutti noi vogliamo la pace nel mondo.

General
"Volere male a qualcuno"

— To wish harm upon someone, to dislike someone intensely. The opposite of 'volere bene'.

Non gli voglio male, ma non sono d'accordo con lui.

Negative emotion
"Chi vuole il male di altri, non avrà mai gioia"

— He who wishes evil upon others will never have joy. A moral saying.

È un detto popolare: chi vuole il male di altri, non avrà mai gioia.

Proverbial
"Volere la luna"

— To want the moon. To desire something impossible or unattainable.

Chiedere una promozione così presto è come volere la luna.

Figurative
"Volere la sua parte"

— To want one's share. To claim what one believes is rightfully theirs.

Dopo tanto lavoro, vuole la sua parte del guadagno.

Fairness
"Volere la testa di qualcuno"

— To want someone's head. To desire severe punishment or downfall for someone.

Dopo il tradimento, molti volevano la sua testa.

Strong negative desire
"Volere è potere"

— Where there's a will, there's a way. If you truly want something, you can find a way to achieve it.

Ricorda sempre: volere è potere.

Motivational proverb
क्या यह मददगार था?
अभी तक कोई टिप्पणी नहीं। अपने विचार साझा करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें!