Want, hope & wish in Italian

In Italian, verbs like volere (to want), sperare (to hope), and desiderare (to wish) help you express desires and feelings about the future.

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Glossary · Italian

  • 01
    volere[vo-LE-re]
    want
  • 02
    avere bisogno[a-VE-re bi-SO-gno]
    need
  • 03
    sperare[spe-RA-re]
    hope
  • 04
    desiderare[de-si-de-RA-re]
    wish
  • 05
    preferire[pre-fe-RI-re]
    prefer
  • 06
    pianificare[pia-ni-fi-CA-re]
    plan
  • 07
    sognare[so-NA-re]
    dream
  • 08
    aspettare[as-pet-TA-re]
    expect
Want, hope & wish in Italian — vocabulary chart for English speakers

Example sentences

  1. Voglio un gelato, per favore.

    I want an ice cream, please.

  2. Ho bisogno di una pausa.

    I need a break.

  3. Spero di visitare Roma quest'estate.

    I hope to visit Rome this summer.

  4. Desidero imparare l'italiano.

    I wish to learn Italian.

  5. Preferisco il tè al caffè.

    I prefer tea to coffee.

  6. Aspetto il treno alle otto.

    I expect the train at eight.