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Expressing Your Hobbies with Modal Verbs
In Italian, when you want to talk about what you want, can, or must do for fun, you use a modal verb followed directly by an infinitive verb (verbs ending in -are, -ere, or -ire). The modal verb is conjugated, but the second verb stays in its full infinitive form!
The Three Key Modal Verbs
- Volere (to want): Voglio dipingere. (I want to paint.)
- Potere (to be able to / can): Posso nuotare. (I can swim.)
- Dovere (to have to / must): Devo allenarmi. (I have to work out.)
Common Structure
Modal Verb (conjugated) + Infinitive Verb
| Pronoun | Volere (to want) | Potere (can) | Dovere (must) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Io | voglio | posso | devo |
| Tu | vuoi | puoi | devi |
| Lui/Lei | vuole | può | deve |
Common Mistakes
Don't conjugate both verbs! Never say 'voglio dipingo'. Always use the infinitive: 'voglio dipingere'.
Words
volere
to want
Voglio leggere un libro.I want to read a book.
potere
to be able to / can
Posso giocare a tennis?Can I play tennis?
dovere
to have to / must
Devo allenarmi oggi.I have to work out today.
dipingere
to paint
Voglio dipingere un quadro.I want to paint a picture.
nuotare
to swim
Posso nuotare in piscina.I can swim in the pool.
suonare la chitarra
to play the guitar
Devo suonare la chitarra stasera.I have to play the guitar tonight.
fare fotografie
to take photographs
Voglio fare fotografie al parco.I want to take photographs at the park.
ballare
to dance
Possiamo ballare insieme?Can we dance together?
cucinare
to cook
Devo cucinare la cena.I have to cook dinner.
viaggiare
to travel
Vogliamo viaggiare molto.We want to travel a lot.
Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.
Patterns
Voglio ___
I want to... (used to express hobbies you desire to do)
Voglio dipingere nel tempo libero.I want to paint in my free time.
Posso ___
I can... (used to ask permission or state capability)
Posso nuotare oggi.I can swim today.
Devo ___
I have to... (used for obligations related to hobbies/practice)
Devo suonare la chitarra.I have to play the guitar.