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Understanding Italian Modal Verbs
Modal verbs in Italian are special verbs that help us talk about things like ability, possibility, permission, and obligation. They are a little different from regular verbs because they often work together with another verb to give more meaning.
Important Points
Potere (can, may)
Volere (want)
Dovere (must, have to)
These are the most common modal verbs in Italian. Let's see what each of them means and how to use them.
Potere
Potere is used to talk about what someone can do or is allowed to do. It is like saying 'can' or 'may' in English.
Examples
Io posso giocare fuori. (I can play outside.)
Tu puoi mangiare il gelato. (You can eat the ice cream.)
Lui può andare al parco. (He can go to the park.)
Volere
Volere is used when you want something or want to do something. It is like saying 'want' in English.
Examples
Io voglio un giocattolo. (I want a toy.)
Lei vuole andare in spiaggia. (She wants to go to the beach.)
Noi vogliamo mangiare la pizza. (We want to eat pizza.)
Dovere
Dovere is used to express necessity or obligation. It is like saying 'must' or 'have to' in English.
Examples
Io devo fare i compiti. (I must do my homework.)
Loro devono pulire la stanza. (They have to clean the room.)
Noi dobbiamo andare a scuola. (We must go to school.)
Using Modal Verbs with Other Verbs
When using modal verbs, you often pair them with another verb. The modal verb is conjugated, and the second verb stays in its base form (infinitive).
Examples
Io possogiocare.
Lei vuolemangiare.
Noi dobbiamostudiare.
Remember
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