This lesson teaches essential Italian expressions like "ho bisogno di" and "ho voglia di" for expressing needs and desires using nouns or infinitive verbs, e.g. "ho bisogno di un istruttore" and "ho voglia di partecipare."
Espressione (Expression)Uso con nome (Use with noun)Uso con verbo (Use with verb)
Ho bisogno di + (I need to +)Ho bisogno di un istruttore. (I need an instructor.)Ho bisogno di imparare. (I need to learn.)
Ho voglia di + (I feel like +)Ho voglia di un gelato. (I feel like an ice cream.)Ho voglia di partecipare. (I feel like participating.)
Ho paura di + (I'm afraid of)Ho paura dei tuoni. (I'm afraid of thunder.)Ho paura di parlare in pubblico. (I'm afraid of speaking in public.)
Ho nostalgia di + (I am nostalgic for)Ho nostalgia di casa. (I feel homesick for home.)Ho nostalgia di vivere in Italia. (I miss living in Italy.)

Exceptions!

  1. The verb "avere" is conjugated based on the subject: "io ho voglia di"; "tu hai voglia di", etc.

Exercise 1: Le espressioni "ho bisogno di", "ho voglia di", ecc.

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

Ha voglia di, Hai bisogno di, Hai voglia di, Hai nostalgia di, Hanno paura di, Ho voglia di, Abbiamo bisogno di

1. Bisogno - Noi:
... imparare bene la grammatica.
(We need to learn grammar well.)
2. Paura - Loro:
... parlare davanti a tutti.
(They are afraid to speak in front of everyone.)
3. Bisogno - Noi:
... seguire il programma del corso.
(We need to follow the course schedule.)
4. Bisogno - Tu:
... esercitarti ogni giorno con i verbi.
(You need to practise verbs every day.)
5. Voglia - Lui:
... provare la ceramica artistica.
(He feels like trying artistic ceramics.)
6. Voglia - Tu:
... un gelato dopo la lezione?
(Do you feel like having an ice cream after the lesson?)
7. Voglia - Io:
... partecipare a un corso di musica.
(I feel like taking a music course.)
8. Mancanza - Tu:
... vedere i tuoi amici ogni giorno?
(Do you feel nostalgic about seeing your friends every day?)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that properly uses the expressions "ho bisogno di" or "ho voglia di".

1.
The preposition 'di' is missing after 'ho bisogno'.
The addition 'a te' is superfluous and not correct in this context.
2.
The preposition 'di' is missing after 'hai voglia'.
The correct preposition after 'voglia' is 'di', not 'per'.
3.
After 'voglia di' you must use the infinitive, not the gerund.
The preposition 'di' is missing after 'abbiamo bisogno'.
4.
After 'ha bisogno' it is necessary to include the preposition 'di'.
The preposition 'di' is missing after 'ha voglia'.

Understanding the Expressions "ho bisogno di" and "ho voglia di" in Italian

This lesson focuses on common Italian expressions used to convey needs, desires, fears, and nostalgia by combining the verb avere with different nouns or verbs in the infinitive form.

Key Expressions and Their Usage

  • Ho bisogno di: Used to express a necessity, followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. For example, Ho bisogno di un istruttore (I need an instructor) or Ho bisogno di imparare (I need to learn).
  • Ho voglia di: Expresses a desire or craving, used with nouns or verbs. Examples include Ho voglia di un gelato (I feel like having an ice cream) and Ho voglia di partecipare (I want to participate).
  • Ho paura di: Indicates fear, and it is followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. For example, Ho paura dei tuoni (I am afraid of thunder) and Ho paura di parlare in pubblico (I am afraid of public speaking).
  • Ho nostalgia di: Expresses nostalgia or longing, used with nouns or verbs. Such as Ho nostalgia di casa (I miss home) or Ho nostalgia di vivere in Italia (I miss living in Italy).

Conjugation Notes

The verb avere is conjugated according to the subject: io ho voglia di (I feel like), tu hai voglia di (you feel like), and so on, matching the subject in number and person.

Important Highlights

  • These expressions always require the preposition di before the noun or infinitive verb.
  • When used with verbs, the verb is always in the infinitive form, never conjugated or in the gerund.
  • Prepositions other than di are incorrect in these phrases.

Comparing Italian and English Usage

In English, expressions of need or desire often use "to" plus the verb (e.g., "need to learn", "want to participate"). In Italian, the preposition is always di followed by the infinitive verb.

Examples of useful Italian phrases and their English equivalents include:

  • Ho bisogno di = "I need" (English uses "need to" + verb)
  • Ho voglia di = "I feel like" or "I want" (English usually "feel like" or "want to")
  • Ho paura di = "I am afraid of" (English uses "afraid of" or "afraid to")
  • Ho nostalgia di = "I miss" or "I feel nostalgic for"

Remember, the verb avere changes based on the subject, unlike in English where the verb form depends on the subject but prepositions do not change accordingly. This lesson helps solidify correct prepositional use essential for natural Italian speaking and writing.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Tuesday, 14/10/2025 12:30