Italian Modal Verbs

After essere (to be) and avere (to have), modal verbs are among the most important and useful verbs in Italian. They allow you to express what you want, can, or must do, ideas essential in everyday life. In English, there are several modal verbs (can, must, may, will, etc.), but in Italian, there are three main ones volere (To want) potere (Can / To be allowed to) and dovere (Must / To have to)

These verbs are called verbi modali or verbi servili in Italian because they serve another verb, modifying its meaning. They are almost always followed by an infinitive verb (like mangiare, andare, or parlare), creating expressions such as I want to eat or We can go.

Volere To Want

The verb volere expresses desire, will, or intention. It’s used to say what someone wants to do or have. You’ll hear it constantly in daily life, when ordering food, making plans, or talking about goals.

Here’s the conjugation of volere in the present tense:

Volere is followed directly by another verb in the infinitive form (unconjugated). Notice there is no to as in English, for example, voglio mangiare (literally, I want eat).

Avere voglia di To feel like doing something

Instead of volere, Italians often use the expression avere voglia di (literally to have the desire to) when they mean to feel like doing something. It’s softer and more natural in many contexts.

Potere Can / To Be Allowed To

Potere is used to express possibility, permission, or ability. It can mean can or may depending on the situation. It’s a very practical verb, useful for asking permission, offering help, or talking about what’s possible.

Here’s the conjugation of potere in the present tense:

Important Note:

In English, can is used for both permission (Can I go out?) and ability (I can swim). In Italian, potere is used for permission or possibility, not for learned skills or abilities. To talk about ability, use sapere (to know how to).

Dovere Must / To Have To

Dovere expresses duty, obligation, or necessity. Depending on context, it can mean must, have to, or should. Italians use it frequently when talking about responsibilities or giving advice.

Here’s the conjugation of dovere in the present tense:

Summary

• Volere is used to expresses desire (to want)
• Potere is used to expresses permission or possibility (can / may)
• Dovere is used to expresses obligation or necessity (must / have to)