Modal verb + infinitive
A modal verb (verbo modale) changes the meaning of another verb: it says whether someone can, wants to or has to do something. Only the modal verb is conjugated. The second verb stays in the infinitive, and unlike English there is no to between them: Voglio mangiare, not Voglio di mangiare.
Basic pattern
The three verbs in the present
| Person | potere | volere | dovere |
|---|---|---|---|
| io | posso | voglio | devo |
| tu | puoi | vuoi | devi |
| lui/lei | può | vuole | deve |
| noi | possiamo | vogliamo | dobbiamo |
| voi | potete | volete | dovete |
| loro | possono | vogliono | devono |
potere: can · volere: want · dovere: must
All three are irregular; only the voi forms are regular. Può (he/she can) carries a written accent.
What they are used for
potere: possibility and permission
Potere says that something is possible or allowed. It is also how you politely ask for permission or make a request: English can or may.
Stasera non posso uscire.
I can't go out tonight.
Posso entrare?
May I come in?
Puoi ripetere, per favore?
Can you repeat that, please?
volere: wish and intention
Volere can also take a noun directly, without an infinitive. Voglio is as direct as I want; to offer something politely, ask Vuole …? (Would you like …?).
Voglio imparare l'italiano.
I want to learn Italian.
Vuoi venire con me?
Do you want to come with me?
Vuole un caffè?
Would you like a coffee?
dovere: obligation and necessity
Dovere says what you or someone else has to do.
Devo andare a casa.
I have to go home.
Dobbiamo partire presto.
We have to leave early.
Cosa devo fare?
What do I have to do?
