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Italian Modal Verbs: Potere, Volere, Dovere explained with examples

What are modal verbs in Italian? Modal verbs - potere (can), volere (want) and dovere (must) - are key to expressing yourself in Italian. These verbs allow you to express possibilities, desires and obligations, making them essential tools for anyone learning the language. Thanks to these verbs, you can construct more complex and precise sentences, even at beginner level. Let us now look at the characteristics of each verb, keeping in mind that these modal verbs are irregular and do not follow the typical conjugation patterns of regular verbs. Potere - To express possibility or permission The verb potere is used to indicate that an action is possible , or to ask for or give permission . Examples with Potere: Posso aprire la finestra? (May I open the window?)  - Permission Non posso venire domani. (I can't come tomorrow.) - Possibility Puoi aiutarmi? ( Can you help me?) - Possibility Conjugation of Potere (Present tense) Person Form io posso...
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Italian Modal Verbs: Potere, Volere, Dovere explained with examples

What are modal verbs in Italian?

Modal verbs - potere (can), volere (want) and dovere (must) - are key to expressing yourself in Italian. These verbs allow you to express possibilities, desires and obligations, making them essential tools for anyone learning the language. Thanks to these verbs, you can construct more complex and precise sentences, even at beginner level. Let us now look at the characteristics of each verb, keeping in mind that these modal verbs are irregular and do not follow the typical conjugation patterns of regular verbs.

Potere - To express possibility or permission

The verb potere is used to indicate that an action is possible, or to ask for or give permission.

Examples with Potere:
Posso aprire la finestra? (May I open the window?)  - Permission
Non posso venire domani. (I can't come tomorrow.) - Possibility
Puoi aiutarmi? (Can you help me?) - Possibility

Conjugation of Potere (Present tense)

Person Form
ioposso
tupuoi
lui/leipuò
noipossiamo
voipotete
loropossono

Volere - To express a wish or invitation

The verb volere is used to express what someone wants or intends to do.

Examples with Volere:
Voglio imparare l'italiano. (I want to learn Italian.) - Wish
Vuoi venire con noi? (Do you want to come with us?) - Invitation
Non voglio uscire stasera. (I don't want to go out tonight.) Wish

Conjugation of Volere (Present tense)

Person Form
iovoglio
tuvuoi
lui/leivuole
noivogliamo
voivolete
lorovogliono

Dovere - To express obligation 

The verb dovere is used to talk about duties or obligations.

Examples with Dovere:
Devo studiare per l'esame. (I have to study for the exam.) - Personal obligation
Devi finire il lavoro oggi. (You must finish the job today.) - Obligation
Non dobbiamo dimenticare l'appuntamento. (We must not forget the appointment.) Obligation

Conjugation of Dovere  (Present tense)

Person Form
iodevo
tudevi
lui/leideve
noidobbiamo
voidovete
lorodevono

Using modal verbs with the infinitive

Modal verbs are always used with another verb in the infinitive form. 

POTERE / VOLERE / DOVERE + VERBO INFINITO

Here are some examples:
Potere → Posso prendere un caffè? (Permission in daily life)
Volere → Voglio andare al cinema stasera. (Daily life wish)
Dovere → Devo fare i compiti prima di uscire. (Obligation in context)

Modal verbs with negative meaning

In some cases, modal verbs can have a negative meaning when used with NON before the infinitive. These negative modal verbs are often used in exclamatory sentences or to express prohibitions:
  • Non posso venire. (I can't come.)
  • Non voglio mangiare. (I don't want to eat.)
  • Non devo dire niente. (I must not say anything.)

    • Conjugation of modal verbs (irregular verbs):

    Modal verbs are irregular, so it is necessary to remember their conjugations, especially in the present and present perfect tenses. They do not follow the general rules of regular verbs, but have special forms. 

    To conclude

    The modal verb gives the main verb a specific meaning, making the message clearer and more detailed.
    Mastering the use of modal verbs is crucial for anyone learning Italian, as they allow you to express a wide range of meanings related to possibilities, desires and obligations. 

    As these are irregular verbs, it is important to practise their conjugation and use in different contexts frequently in order to fully understand the nuances of their meaning.  

    If you want to review another key topic, check out this guide on regular verb conjugation in Italian .

    To improve your understanding of these verbs, it is helpful to practise building sentences and using them in different contexts.
    Try making your own sentences with potere, volere and dovere to put what you've learned into practice.


    Test sui verbi modali: Potere, Volere e Dovere

    Completa le frasi con il verbo modale corretto, coniugato nel tempo appropriato.

    1. Io ____ studiare italiano, ma oggi sono stanco. (Scrivi la coniugazione corretta)

    2. Noi ____ andare al cinema stasera, tu no. (Scrivi la coniugazione corretta)

    If you have any questions or would like to share your learning experience, please leave a comment below. I'm curious to know how you are progressing on your language journey!

    You can now download your FREE EXERCISES on Italian modal verbs: Potere, Volere and Dovere - I verbi modali in italiano
    NO credit card required!

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