volendo

Volendo is the present participle (gerund) of the Italian verb volere, meaning to want. It is formed from the infinitive volere by adding -ndo and functions as a non-finite verb form. In addition to its gerund use, volendo can appear in phrases that express optionality or willingness, similar to saying “if you want” or “willingly.” The related present participle volente exists as well and is used as an adjective or in fixed expressions such as volente o nolente (willing or unwilling).

Usage and meaning

As a gerund, volendo introduces a conditional or hypothetical action and can lead a sentence or clause. It often equates to “if you want” or “assuming you want” in English. Examples:

- Volendo, potremmo partire domani. (If you want, we could leave tomorrow.)

- Volendo, posso restare qui qualche minuto. (If you want, I can stay here a few minutes.)

- Volendo, si potrebbe cambiare la decisione. (If you want, one could change the decision.)

As an adjective or in set phrases, volente appears in expressions such as volente o nolente, meaning “willing or unwilling.” This form emphasizes willingness as a quality of the subject rather than an action.

Relation to other forms

Volere is conjugated in the present tense as voglio, vuoi, vuole, vogliamo, volete, vogliono; the past participle is voluto. The gerund volendo is distinct from the participle volente, which serves primarily as an adjective in certain fixed phrases. Both forms are part of standard Italian grammar and are encountered in everyday speech and in writing.

See also

Italian verbs and non-finite forms; volere; volente; volere in set phrases such as volente o nolente.