Italian · Food & Drink
"I'd like…" in Italian: vorrei…
vorrei…
I'd like… in Italian is vorrei… Condizionale of volere—softer than voglio. Follow with the thing: vorrei un caffè.
Bar counter
Buongiorno—vorrei un cappuccino.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce vorrei…
Say it
vohr-REH-ee
/vorˈrɛi/
Vorrei: vohr-REH-ee. Roll the r lightly. Stress REH.
"I'd like…" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| vorrei… | I'd like… Default polite opener. | Default polite opener. |
| vorrei un caffè | I'd like a coffee Café order. | Café order. |
| vorrei prenotare | I'd like to book Reservations. | Reservations. |
| ne vorrei un altro | I'd like another one Seconds. | Seconds. |
How to use vorrei… in real life
- 1Bar counter
Buongiorno—vorrei un cappuccino.
Good morning—I'd like a cappuccino.
Order.
- 2Ticket window
Vorrei un biglietto per Firenze.
I'd like a ticket to Florence.
Travel.
- 3Market stall
Vorrei mezzo chilo di ciliegie, grazie.
I'd like half a kilo of cherries, thanks.
Shopping.
Mistakes English speakers make with vorrei…
Incorrect: Voglio un caffè. (sounding blunt to staff)
Correct: Vorrei un caffè.
Vorrei is the polite default with service staff.
Incorrect: Vorrei di un gelato.
Correct: Vorrei un gelato.
No di after vorrei before a noun.
Good to know
Vorrei… is the standard polite order in Italian bars and shops. Voglio is fine with friends but can sound abrupt at a counter. A smile and grazie finish the line.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Ordering at a busy bar
ChatPal
Cosa prendi?
What are you having?
You
Vorrei un espresso, grazie.
I'd like an espresso, thanks.
ChatPal
Io vorrei una brioche alla crema.
I'd like a cream brioche.
You
Perfetto—pago io.
Perfect—I'll pay.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"I'd like…" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "I'd like…" in Italian
I'd like…?
Vorrei…
Why not voglio?
Vorrei is softer with staff.
I'd like to book?
Vorrei prenotare…
Pronunciation?
vohr-REH-ee.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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