volere — meaning in English: want

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for want

religione

medicina

volere

serendipità

balena

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Italian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 'volere' in everyday conversations, such as when asking for what they desire, whether it’s food at a restaurant or plans for the weekend. For instance, a friend might say, 'Voglio andare al cinema' (I want to go to the movies) when discussing weekend plans.

Synonyms & nuances

'Volere' is often compared to 'desiderare', which means 'to desire.' While 'desiderare' carries a more intense emotional weight, 'volere' is more straightforward and practical. You might choose 'volere' when making everyday requests, whereas 'desiderare' is better suited for expressing deeper, more heartfelt wishes.

Culture

'Volere' comes from the Latin word 'velle', which also means 'to want.' This historical connection highlights the importance of desire in Italian culture, often reflected in the passionate expressions of Italians when discussing their wishes or aspirations. Interestingly, in some Italian dialects, the verb might take on different nuances, showing regional variations in how desire is expressed.

FAQ

Q.How do you conjugate 'volere' in the present tense?

'Volere' is an irregular verb. In the present tense, it conjugates as: voglio (I want), vuoi (you want), vuole (he/she/it wants), vogliamo (we want), volete (you all want), and vogliono (they want).

Q.Can 'volere' be used in a formal setting?

Yes, 'volere' can be used in formal situations, though it may be more polite to use it with a modal verb or in a more indirect manner, such as 'Vorrei' (I would like). This softens the request and is often considered more courteous.

Q.What are some common phrases using 'volere'?

Common phrases include 'Voglio mangiare' (I want to eat), 'Non voglio andare' (I don’t want to go), and 'Che cosa vuoi?' (What do you want?). These phrases are useful for everyday conversation and expressing your needs.

Learn italian with Maspeak →

Italian 500