volete

Volete is the second-person plural present indicative form of the Italian verb volere, meaning “to want.” It is used to address multiple people and is commonly found in questions and requests such as “Volete una mano?” or “Volete qualcosa da bere?” The pronoun voi is often implied in everyday speech, so volete stands on its own to mean “you all want.”

Etymology and forms: volete derives from the Latin volere, with the full present tense conjugation including voglio (I want), vuoi (you want), vuole (he/she/it wants), vogliamo (we want), volete (you all want), vogliono (they want). The form volete specifically corresponds to the second-person plural subject and is used in both informal and formal contexts when addressing more than one person.

Usage notes: volete is versatile in Italian conversation and writing. It appears in direct questions, offers, and requests, and can also function in more extended sentences such as “Volete che vi aiuti?” (Do you want me to help you?). While the subject is often clear from context, including voi for emphasis or clarity is possible, as in “Voi volete...?” However, in most everyday usage, volete already conveys the intended subject without need for repetition.

See also: volere; Italian verb conjugations; Italian grammar.