Whether it's directions to that cute shop you've been dying to explore or help repairing your broken rental car, knowing how to express your needs in Italian can really help you save time while traveling around the country.
In today’s article, we’ll dive into the basic ways to say you need something (or someone) in Italian. These phrases may look very similar at first glance, but there are subtle differences between them that make a big difference in communication. Through practical examples, you'll learn how to use them correctly, ensuring your conversations run smoothly and produce the results you want!
1.I need
When you need to express your needs in Italian, I need to is your go-to phrase and a must-have in your linguistic toolbox. Literally translated as I need tothis simple structure contains three elements: verb have (have), noun need (need) and prepositions of (of), introduce the desired thing, person, or action. Specifically, I need to It can be followed by a noun or verb in the infinitive form. So, master the conjugation of verbs have That's all you need to use this expression with confidence!
example:
I need help, I can't get through this alone.
I need help, I can't figure this out myself.
I need Matteo to complete this presentation.
I need Matteo to complete this presentation.
I'm going to the supermarket and my refrigerator is empty!
I'm going to the supermarket and my refrigerator is empty!
NOTE: For a more objective tone, I need to can be replaced by must or Is necessaryall convey the meaning there is a need. For example: We are going shopping today and the refrigerator is empty. (We are going to buy groceries today and the refrigerator is empty.)
2.I need that
I need it translated as I need itwith the conjunction That Introduce a clause in the subjunctive mood that specifies what you need from the other person. Although this form is more common in written Italian, especially in formal situations, it is not uncommon in spoken Italian. it is usually translated as I need to [someone] arrive… in English.
example:
I need you to send me this report as soon as possible.
I need you to send me this report as soon as possible.
I need you close to me in this difficult time.
I need you by my side in this difficult time.
My car is in the repair shop and I need someone to take me shopping.
My car is in the repair shop and I need someone to take me grocery shopping.
3. Serve
Another commonly used expression is I need to Italian is I serve. Literally translated, this sentence means Something works for me and implies the necessity of tools. In other words, it indicates that a specific item is needed to perform a specific action. For clarity, let's look at the following example:
- But, I need money to refuel the scooter. (Mom, I need money to fuel my scooter.): This shows a specific instrumental need for money to buy gasoline for the scooter.
- But I need money (Mom, I need money): In this case, you are saying that your financial situation is tight.
Note that in this expression, the desired item is the subject because it is something that enables you to do something. Therefore, the verb Serve (need) agrees with the item, not the speaker.
example:
I need help assembling the bookcase.
I need help assembling a bookshelf.
I need a pair of comfortable shoes for my hike next week.
I need a pair of comfortable shoes for my hike next week.
To complete the project on time, I need Anna, Paolo and other resources.
In order to complete the project on time, I needed Anna, Paul, and other resources.
4.I need it
I need it very similar I serve, although it may not be as widely used and is more common in formal settings. It has exactly the same function as the verb take (need) Agree on what you need, as the subject. The only difference is I need it Usually used only for things, never for people.
example:
I need more water for kneading the dough.
I need more water for kneading the dough.
I need some books for the research I am doing.
I need some books for the research I am doing.
I need more information before making a final decision.
I need more information before making a final decision.
5.Devo
Devo It is very commonly used in Italian to express the urgency and necessity of doing something. Its meaning is I need to. It is always followed by another infinitive verb.
example:
I have to go to Rossi Road, can you tell me how to get there?
I need to go to via Rossi, can you tell me how to get there?
There is an exam tomorrow and you must arrive before 8:00.
I have an exam tomorrow, arrive before 8 a.m..
I must see you, I miss you so much!
I need to see you, I miss you so much!
6. I need/I need
i need to say or i need is an expression used to express I need to Written Italian, although they are not commonly used in everyday conversation. They all express the inevitability and prerequisites for something to happen.
example:
I have something urgent to talk to my boss. Can you look in his diary for a few minutes?
I urgently need to talk to my boss. Can you spare a few minutes in his schedule?
I need your urgent reply to continue the process.
I need your urgent reply to continue processing the paperwork.
Traveling frequently for work, I need to find comfortable and convenient accommodation.
Since I travel a lot for work, I need to find comfortable and affordable accommodation.
Heather Broster is a graduate with honors in linguistics from the University of Western Ontario. She is an aspiring polyglot, fluent in English and Italian, as well as varying degrees of fluency in Japanese, Welsh and French. Originally from Toronto, Heather has lived in several countries, notably Italy for six years. Her main research areas are language acquisition, education and bilingual teaching.
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