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Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Learn how to use the polite form «vorrei» to express wishes and requests in Italian, with practical examples like «vorrei ordinare» (I would like to order) and «vorrei prenotare» (I would like to book).
  1. The formula is: vorrei + noun / verb in the infinitive.
Situazione (Situation)Esempio (Example)
Al ristorante e bar (At the restaurant and bar)

Vorrei ordinare una pizza margherita. (I would like to order a margherita pizza.)

Vorrei prenotare un tavolo. (I would like to book a table.)

Nei negozi (In shops)

Vorrei un biglietto. (I would like a ticket.)

Vorrei provare queste scarpe. (I would like to try these shoes.)

Situazioni professionali (Professional situations)Vorrei parlare con il manager. (I would like to speak with the manager.)

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. ______ ordinare una pizza margherita.

(______ order a margherita pizza.)

2. ______ prenotare un tavolo per stasera.

(______ book a table for tonight.)

3. ______ un bicchiere d'acqua, per favore.

(______ a glass of water, please.)

4. ______ parlare con il responsabile del ristorante.

(______ to speak with the restaurant manager.)

5. ______ provare queste scarpe, per favore.

(______ to try these shoes, please.)

6. ______ un caffè con latte, grazie.

(______ a coffee with milk, thank you.)

Polite Requests and Expressions with Vorrei

This lesson introduces the polite form "vorrei", which is essential for making courteous requests and expressing desires in Italian. It's especially useful in everyday situations like ordering in restaurants, shopping, and professional interactions.

What You Will Learn

  • How to use "vorrei" followed by a noun or an infinitive verb to make polite requests.
  • Common phrases to use in social, commercial, and professional contexts.
  • Important vocabulary such as ordinare (to order), prenotare (to book/reserve), and provare (to try).

Key Expressions and Examples

In practical situations, you can say:

SituationExample
At a restaurant or bar

Vorrei ordinare una pizza margherita.

Vorrei prenotare un tavolo.

In shops

Vorrei un biglietto.

Vorrei provare queste scarpe.

Professional situations

Vorrei parlare con il manager.

How the Structure Works

The formula to construct polite requests is:

vorrei + noun or vorrei + verb in the infinitive

This form is gentler and more respectful than simply using voglio (I want), making it preferable in formal and courteous conversations.

Comparing Italian Polite Requests to English

Unlike English, where "would like" is used for polite requests, Italian uses the conditional form vorrei. Although they convey similar politeness, Italian speakers rely on this specific verb form, which directly translates to "I would want." This is different from the direct present tense "voglio," which can sound demanding rather than polite.

Some useful related Italian words:

  • Vorrei – I would like
  • Ordinare – to order
  • Prenotare – to book, reserve
  • Provare – to try
  • Parlare – to speak

Remember to use vorrei to express polite, respectful requests, which is a key skill in effective communication in Italian.

Written by

This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 17/07/2025 11:46