Modal verbs

Modal verbs in Italian are very simple. Let’s learn the three modal verbs potere, dovere and volere in Italian.

Modal verbs in Italian

The modal verbs are irregular. The conjugation follows:

POTERE
can, be allowed
DOVERE
must, have to
VOLERE
want
iopossodevovoglio
tupuoidevivuoi
lui, leipuòdevevuole
noipossiamodobbiamovogliamo
voipotetedovetevolete
loropossonodevonovogliono
  • Modal verbs are always followed by the infinitive: Devo lavorare. I have to work.
  • Volere can also be followed by a noun: Voglio un gelato. I want an ice cream.
  • Instead of voglio it is better to say vorrei: Vorrei un gelato. I would like an ice cream.

Esempi

Tesoro, puoi comprare il pane, per favore?Honey, can you buy the bread, please?
Mamma, posso uscire a giocare?
– Prima devi finire i compiti.
Mom, can I go out and play?
– You have to finish your homework first.
Oggi devo lavorare fino a tardi.I have to work late today.
Voglio andare in vacanza!I want to go on vacation!
Vorrei un cappuccino, per favore.I’d like a cappuccino, please.
modal verbs in Italian

Esercizi

1. Verbi modali. Connect the questions with the answers.

Write the correct verb form.

Impara di più!

GRAMMATICA: Italian partitive article
VOCABOLARIO: Daily activities in Italian
STORIE: Read a story in Italian

Share our post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your online bookstore specialized in learning Italian.

Our latest posts

Follow us

donate
Start typing to see posts you are looking for.
Waiting List & Backorder We will notify you when the product is back in stock. Please leave us your email address below.