Voglio versus Vorrei in Italian - a Language Lesson from Milan

For Italian language learners, the verb volere is one of the first and most powerful verbs you should learn.

In this video, an example of the verb in use is humorously displayed on a T-shirt.

Being immersed in the language is another great way to learn, as this video takes place in Milan, Italy.

The T-shirt or hoodie says:
Non voglio soluzioni voglio solo lamentarmi

In Italian, it translates to: “I don’t want solutions; I only want to lament!”

We all know people like this, the constant complainers and critics. They wish to spill their problems onto you.

The word “voglio” comes from the verb volere, which means to want or to wish. Volere is an irregular verb, so you will need to memorize it.

Conjugation of Volere (Present Tense)

First person singular

io voglio
Voglio imparare l’italiano
I want to learn Italian

Second person singular
tu vuoi
Vuoi venire con me?
Do you want to come with me?

Third person singular
lui/lei vuole
Lei vuole un cappuccino.
She wants a cappuccino.

Lei capitalized is also used to express you formally, when you do not know the person, such as a non-family member or a friend.
Da dove viene Lei?
Where are you from?

First person plural
noi vogliamo
Vogliamo viaggiare in Italia.
We want to travel in Italy.

Second person plural
voi volete
Volete qualcosa da bere?
Do you all want something to drink?

Third person plural
loro vogliono
Vogliono andare al cinema.
They want to go to the cinema.

Other Tenses of the Verb Volere

Past Tense (Passato Prossimo)
Ho voluto – I wanted
Ho voluto imparare il francese
I wanted to learn French

Conditional Tense – for being polite
Vorrei un tavolo per quattro
I would like a table for four

Imperfect Tense
Volevo – I wanted or I used to want
Da bambino volevo fare il fotografo
As a child, I wanted to be a photographer

io voglio versus io vorrei

This is an example of one of the nuances of the Italian language. In the Italian culture, io voglio or Ï want can be considered a bit rude and blunt. It is rarely used in restaurants, shops, formal situations, or with people you do not know.

To make your desire known more politely, use io vorrei (I would like).
Vorrei un cappuccino, per favore.
I would like a cappuccino, please.

To use io voglio in this instance can come across as bossy or rude.