The word voglio, very common, in Italian language, can be often inappropriate, even rude, when it is used in certain contexts, places and situations. For example, in a restaurant, using expressions like: “voglio una pizza e una birra” (I want a pizza and a beer), but also others like: “voglio che tu faccia questo” (I want you to do this) or “voglio che tu vada lì” (I want you to go there) can result unpleasant. For this reason, in today’s we are going to see some alternatives we can use instead of “voglio”.
Kinder alternatives to say “voglio” in Italian!
Before we list the various alternatives to”voglio”, there’s a possibility you can consider, the use of conditional tense, which makes the requests more acceptable. In fact, using utilizzare “vorrei” results more appreciated.
Example: “Vorrei una birra, per favore” (I’d like a beer, please)
Let’s see, now, the various possibilities:
1) gradirei: this expression is more suitable and polite compared to “voglio”, in places like bars and restaurants to order something.
Example: “Gradirei un caffè, grazie” (I’d like a coffee, thanks)
2) desidererei: even this expression can be used in these contexts, but implies a greater formality.
Example: “Cortesemente, desidererei un’altra bottiglia di vino” (Please, I’d like another bottle of wine)
3) sarebbe possibile avere…: this expression is used to ask something kindly
Example: “Sarebbe possibile avere un succo al pompelmo?” (Would it be possible to have a grapefruit juice)
4) mi piacerebbe se…/ mi farebbe piacere se…/ non mi dispiacerebbe se…: these expressions are used when we want someone to do something, but by asking it in a polite manner, by giving a command in a less direct way .
Examples: “Mi piacerebbe se Angela cenasse con noi!” (I’d love if Angela comes over for dinner)
“Non mi dispiacerebbe se uscissimo con Francesco e Cecilia” (I wouldn’t mind if we went out with Francesco and Cecilia)
5) perché non...: this form involves the use of a question in order to avoid “voglio”
Example: “Perché non mi dai una mano a preparare la lezione?” (Why don’t you give me a hand to prepare the lesson?)
6) sarebbe bello se…/ apprezzerei se…: both of the forms indicate approval, but the former is impersonal.
Examples: “Sarebbe bello se, ora, i nostri studenti visitassero il nostro negozio on-line LearnAmo Collection, per acquistare tanti fantastici prodotti!” (It would be nice if our students visited our e-shop LearnAmo Collection, to buy many amazing items!)
If you want to buy Rocco’s t-shirt –> Non oggi! – if you want to buy Graziana’s t-shirt –> Vabbè!
“Apprezzerei se la smettessi di usare lo smartphone durante le lezioni” (I’d appreciate if you stopped using your smartphone during our lessons)
7) necessiterei che…/ avrei bisogno che…: these forms are used for polite requests which are driven by a particular necessity.
Example: “Necessiterei che i miei studenti mi facessero sapere, se le nostre lezioni sono di loro gradimento” (I need that my students let me know, if they enjoy our lessons)
“Avrei bisogno che mi lasciassero anche un feedback positivo” (I’d require they left me a positive feedback)
Our lesson ends here, but, before you go, we suggest you to watch a video about a quite gnarly topic: the “double plurals” (muri/mura, fondamenti/fondamenta braccia o bracci…). In fact, it will be extremely useful to avoid blunders. Don’t miss it! See you soon with a new lesson! Bye!
Let’s see if you’ve mastered the contents of this class. Have a go at completing the exercises!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:18 — 6.7MB)
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