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The
Italian verbs dovere
(to have to, must), potere
(can, to be able to) and volere
(to want) are called modal verbs (verbi
modali).
These
verbs are irregular, so they don't follow the rule we studied to form
the present tense. Let's look how they are conjugated in the
present tense.
DOVERE
|
POTERE
|
VOLERE
|
|
io
|
DEVO
|
POSSO
|
VOGLIO
|
tu
|
DEVI
|
PUOI
|
VUOI
|
lui
/ lei
|
DEVE
|
PUÒ
|
VUOLE
|
noi
|
DOBBIAMO
|
POSSIAMO
|
VOGLIAMO
|
voi
|
DOVETE
|
POTETE
|
VOLETE
|
loro
|
DEVONO
|
POSSONO
|
VOGLIONO
|
Let's see in detail how to use them with some examples.
The
verb “DOVERE”
is
used to express an obligation.
- Gli studenti devono studiare per l'esame. (Students must study for the exam)
- Giacomo deve finire i compiti. (Giacomo has to finish his homework)
- Devi tornare a casa presto, altrimenti i tuoi genitori si arrabbiano. (You have to go home early, otherwise your parents will get angry)
The verb “POTERE” is used to express an ability and ask for a permission.
- Posso nuotare per due ore. (I can swim for two hours)
- Possiamo aprire la finestra, per favore? (Can we open the window, please?)
The verb “VOLERE” is used to express a wish/project.
- Marco vuole comprare una macchina nuova. (Marco wants to buy a new car)
- Voglio andare al ristorante stasera. (I want to go to the restaurant this evening)
As you have noticed these verbs usually are followed by another verb in the infinitive form but they can also be used alone.
- Io e Laura andiamo al mare. Venite con noi? (Laura and I go to the beach. Do you come with us?)
- Ci dispiace, ma non possiamo. (We are sorry, but we can't)
The
verb volere can be followed also by an object.
- Voglio un caffè. (I want a coffee.)