Whether it’s directions to that cute shop you’ve been longing to explore or a hand with your broken rental car, knowing how to express your needs in Italian can truly save the day when you’re traveling around the country.
In today’s article, we’re diving into the essential ways to say that you need something (or someone) in Italian. These phrases might seem pretty similar at first, but there are subtle nuances that distinguish them, making all the difference in communication. Armed with practical examples, you’ll learn how to use them properly, ensuring your conversations flow effortlessly and yield the results you desire!
1. Ho bisogno di
When it comes to expressing a need in Italian, ho bisogno di is your go-to phrase, a must-have in your linguistic toolkit. Translated literally as I have a need of, this simple structure comprises three elements: the verb avere (to have), the noun bisogno (need), and the preposition di (of), which introduces the thing, person, or action needed. Specifically, ho bisogno di can be followed by either a noun or a verb in the infinitive form. So, mastering the conjugation of the verb avere is all it takes to confidently use this expression!
Examples:
Ho bisogno di aiuto, da solo non ce la faccio a superare questo momento.
I need help, I can’t get through this on my own.
Ho bisogno di Matteo per finalizzare questa presentazione.
I need Matteo to finalize this presentation.
Ho bisogno di andare al supermercato, il mio frigorifero è vuoto!
I need to go to the supermarket, my fridge is empty!
Note: for a more impersonal tone, Ho bisogno di can be substituted with Bisogna or C’è bisogno di, both conveying the meaning there’s a need for. For instance: Oggi bisogna fare la spesa, il frigorifero è vuoto. (Today, we need to go grocery shopping, the fridge is empty.)
2. Ho bisogno che
Ho bisogno che translates to I need that, with the conjunction che introducing a subordinate clause in the subjunctive mood, specifying what you need from others. While this form is more prevalent in written Italian, particularly in formal contexts, it’s not rare to hear it in spoken language as well. It usually translates as I need [someone] to… in English.
Examples:
Ho bisogno che mi mandiate quella relazione al più presto.
I need you to send me that report as soon as possible.
Ho bisogno che tu mi stia vicino in questo momento difficile.
I need you to be by my side in this difficult moment.
La mia macchina è dal meccanico, ho bisogno che qualcuno mi accompagni a fare la spesa.
My car is at the mechanic’s, I need someone to take me grocery shopping.
3. Mi serve
Another frequently used expression for saying I need in Italian is Mi serve. Translated literally, this phrase means something serves me and implies instrumental necessity. In other words, it indicates the need for a particular item to perform a specific action. Let’s take a look at the following example for clarity:
- Mà, mi servono soldi per fare benzina al motorino. (Mum, I need money to put gas in my scooter): this indicates a specific instrumental need for money to buy gasoline for the scooter.
- Mà, ho bisogno di soldi (Mum, I need money): in this case, you’re saying that you’re in a tight spot financially.
It’s important to note that in this expression, the item needed is the subject, because it’s the thing that enables you to do something. Consequently, the verb servire (to need) agrees with the item, rather than with the speaker.
Examples:
Mi serve aiuto per montare la libreria.
I need help assembling the bookshelf.
Mi servono delle scarpe comode per il trekking della prossima settimana.
I need comfortable shoes for next week’s hike.
Per completare il progetto in tempo, mi serviranno Anna, Paolo e delle risorse aggiuntive.
To complete the project on time, I will need Anna, Paolo and additional resources.
4. Mi occorre
Mi occorre is very similar to Mi serve, although it’s probably not as widely used and is more common in formal contexts. It functions exactly the same way, with the verb occorrere (to need) agreeing with the thing you need, which serves as the subject. The only difference is that Mi occorre is typically only used with things, never with people.
Examples:
Mi occorre più acqua per l’impasto.
I need more water for the dough.
Mi occorrono dei libri per la ricerca a cui sto lavorando.
I need some books for the research I’m doing.
Mi occorrono informazioni aggiuntive prima di prendere una decisione definitiva.
I need additional information before making a final decision.
5. Devo
Devo is very commonly used in Italian to express the urgency and necessity to do something, with the meaning I need to. It’s always followed by another verb in the infinitive form.
Examples:
Devo andare in via Rossi, sa dirmi come posso arrivarci?
I need to go to via Rossi, can you tell me how to get there?
Domani ho l’esame, devo essere lì per le 8:00.
Tomorrow I have the exam, I need to be there by 8am.
Devo vederti, mi manchi troppo!
I need to see you, I miss you so much!
6. Necessito di / Ho la necessità di
Necessito di or Ho la necessità di are expressions used to say I need in written Italian, though they’re not as common in everyday conversation. They both denote a necessity, a prerequisite for something to happen.
Examples:
Ho la necessità di parlare urgentemente con il capo, riesci a trovare qualche minuto nella sua agenda?
I urgently need to speak with the boss, can you find a few minutes in his schedule?
Necessito di una risposta urgente da parte vostra per poter proseguire con la pratica.
I need an urgent response from you to proceed with the paperwork.
Viaggiando spesso per lavoro, ho la necessità di trovare alloggi comodi e convenienti.
Since I travel a lot for work, I need to find comfortable and affordable accommodations.
Heather Broster is a graduate with honours in linguistics from the University of Western Ontario. She is an aspiring polyglot, proficient in English and Italian, as well as Japanese, Welsh, and French to varying degrees of fluency. Originally from Toronto, Heather has resided in various countries, notably Italy for a period of six years. Her primary focus lies in the fields of language acquisition, education, and bilingual instruction.
