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Polite Ordering in Italian
When you are at a café or a restaurant in Italy, it is important to be polite. Instead of saying what you want directly, use vorrei, which means "I would like".
How to use Vorrei
The word vorrei stays the same no matter who you are talking to. Just put it before the food or drink you want!
- Vorrei un caffè. (I would like a coffee.)
- Vorrei un'acqua. (I would like water.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't confuse vorrei with voglio (I want). While grammatically correct, voglio can sound a bit too direct or demanding when ordering in a restaurant. Stick to vorrei to sound like a polite local!
Words
vorrei
I would like
Vorrei un caffè.I would like a coffee.
un caffè
a coffee
Prendo un caffè.I'll have a coffee.
un'acqua
a water
Vorrei un'acqua minerale.I would like a mineral water.
un tè
a tea
Vorrei un tè caldo.I would like a hot tea.
un succo
a juice
Vorrei un succo di frutta.I would like a fruit juice.
un cornetto
a croissant
Vorrei un cornetto alla crema.I would like a cream croissant.
un panino
a sandwich
Vorrei un panino al prosciutto.I would like a ham sandwich.
il conto
the bill
Vorrei il conto, per favore.I would like the bill, please.
Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.
Patterns
Vorrei ___
Use this pattern to politely say what you would like to order.
Vorrei un caffè.I would like a coffee.
Vorrei ___, per favore
Use this pattern to order something very politely with 'please'.
Vorrei un'acqua, per favore.I would like a water, please.