volere bene
Italian
[edit]Etymology
[edit]From Latin benē volō. Literally, “to wish well”.
Verb
[edit]volére bene (first-person singular present vòglio bene, first-person singular past historic vòlli bene, past participle volùto bene, first-person singular future vorrò bene, second-person singular imperative vògli bene, auxiliary avére)
- to be affectionate (to), to feel affection or love (for); to care (for/about); to be fond (of) [with a ‘someone’]
- ti voglio bene ― I love you
- voglio bene a Marco ― I love Marco
Usage notes
[edit]- volere bene is an expression of non-romantic affection toward a friend, family member or other loved one. Romantic love is usually expressed with amare. In much of southern and central Italy, volere bene may carry a romantic connotation and amare a more platonic one.