Vorrei vs. Mi Piacerebbe: What’s the Difference?
In Italian, there are two common ways to say “I would like”: “vorrei” and “mi piacerebbe.” While both can be translated as “I would like” in English, they are used in slightly different contexts.
Here’s how to distinguish between them:
1. Vorrei
- Meaning: “I would like” (more direct and practical).
- Use: For asking or expressing a specific desire or request.
Examples:
- Vorrei un bicchiere d’acqua.
(I would like a glass of water.) - Vorrei comprare una macchina nuova.
(I would like to buy a new car.)
2. Mi Piacerebbe
- Meaning: “I would like” or “I would love” (more hypothetical or wishful).
- Use: To express something you’d enjoy but might not actively pursue right away.
Examples:
- Mi piacerebbe visitare Venezia un giorno.
(I would like to visit Venice one day.) - Mi piacerebbe imparare a suonare il violino un giorno.
(I would like to learn to play the violin one day.)
Both “vorrei” and “mi piacerebbe” are conditional forms of the verbs “volere” (to want) and “piacere” (to like).
How to say I would like to do something
To express a direct desire to do something, use vorrei or mi piacerebbe followed by an infinitive verb.
- Vorrei leggere un libro interessante.
(I would like to read an interesting book.) - Mi piacerebbe imparare a cucinare.
(I would like to learn to cook.)
Conjugations of Volere and Piacere in the Conditional Mood:
Volere (to want):
| Person | Volere (Conditional) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Io (I) | Vorrei | I would like |
| Tu (You) | Vorresti | You would like |
| Lui/Lei (He/She) | Vorrebbe | He/She would like |
| Noi (We) | Vorremmo | We would like |
| Voi (You all) | Vorreste | You all would like |
| Loro (They) | Vorrebbero | They would like |
Piacere (to like):
“Piacere” is conjugated in the third person because it agrees with what is being liked.
| Subject | Piacere (Conditional) | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Mi (To me) | Mi piacerebbe | I would like (singular) |
| Ti (To you) | Ti piacerebbe | You would like (singular) |
| Gli/Le (To him/her) | Gli/Le piacerebbe | He/She would like (singular) |
| Ci (To us) | Ci piacerebbe | We would like (singular) |
| Vi (To you all) | Vi piacerebbe | You all would like (singular) |
| Mi (To me) | Mi piacerebbero | I would like (plural) |
