volriái, vòli

Asking for Things

Level 1

Vòli says what you want; volriái is a softer way to ask.

How It Works

PhraseMeaningWhen to use it
vòliI wantwith friends, or for a simple wish
volriáiI would likefor polite requests

Put the thing you ask for right after the verb: Vòli un cafè. or Volriái un cafè. A small phrase makes the request friendlier: se vos plai (please).

Volriái is the conditional of voler. Use it now as a ready phrase and learn the full tense later. The accent is on the final -ái. Some writers also use voldriái; this course uses volriái.

The present of voler is irregular (vòli, vòles or vòls, vòl). You will learn all of it in a later entry.

Examples (3)

  1. Vòli un cafè.

    I want a coffee.

    Vòli states the wish directly.

  2. Volriái un cafè, se vos plai.

    I would like a coffee, please.

    Volriái and se vos plai make the request polite.

  3. Volriái una taula per dos.

    I would like a table for two.

    The noun phrase names what you ask for.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

volriái, vòliLevel 1Asking for Things

Learn This First

Asking for things politely goes with Se vos plai, so that phrase comes first.

Words in This Pattern

voler