Do you know the difference between dovere, potere, volere, and sapere? What happens to those verbs with the passato prossimo?

A guide to Italian modal verbs with audio examples

Today, we will take a quick look at the Italian modal verbs dovere, potere, volere (and sapere) and provide examples in both the presente and passato prossimo tenses.

What is a modal verb?

In Italian, they are called verbi modali or verbi servili. The latter term better explains their function—they are “of service” to another verb, expressing an intention, possibility, necessity, or ability. For example:

• Compro una maglietta nuova. – I’m buying a new t-shirt.
• Voglio comprare una maglietta nuova. – I want to buy a new t-shirt.

In the first case, I simply buy a t-shirt now. In the second, the verb comprare is “helped” by volere to say “I want to buy a t-shirt.” It’s the same concept as in English with the verb “want.”

The Italian grammar structure is:

(subject) + verbo servile + verb + (object)

Please note that these four verbs are all irregular verbs.

Dovere, Potere, and Volere are properly defined as modal verbs. Sapere behaves differently in the passato prossimo and other compound tenses and has a double meaning: to know (facts) and to be able to (do something).

Essere or Avere?

In Italian, as in English, verb tenses are divided into simple and compound forms. Simple tenses, such as the presente, consist of a single-word verb. For example, Mangio (I eat) is in the present tense.

Compound tenses, like the passato prossimo, are formed with the auxiliary verb essere or avere, followed by the past participle of the main verb (ending in -ato, -uto, -ito). For example:

• (Io) ho studiato. (I studied) uses avere.
• (Io) sono andato. (I went) uses essere

When using modal verbs (dovere, potere, volere) with compound tenses like the passato prossimo, the situation becomes more complex because we add a third verb to the mix.

The choice of auxiliary verb (essere or avere) depends on the main verb, not the modal verb. For example:

• Ho dovuto studiare. (I had to study.) – uses “avere” because “studiare” typically uses “avere”

• Sono dovuta andare. (I had to go.) – uses “essere” because “andare” typically uses “essere”

In the second example, we see that the subject is a female and the feminine ending applies to the modal verb (dovuta). As you know, when you studied the passato prossimo, whenever we have essere, we need to apply a gender to the verb and make it masculine, feminine, singular or plural.

Rule of thumb: To determine which auxiliary to use, consider what the auxiliary would be if the sentence didn’t include the modal verb.

Examples with different modal verbs:

• Hai potuto mangiare? (Were you able to eat?) – uses “avere” because “mangiare” uses “avere”

• Siete potuti venire? (Were you able to come?) – uses “essere” because “venire” uses “essere”

• Ho voluto comprare un libro. (I wanted to buy a book.) – uses “avere” because “comprare” uses “avere”

• Sono voluto partire presto. (I wanted to leave early.) – uses “essere” because “partire” uses “essere”

Omitting the main verb: If the main verb is omitted and only the modal verb is used, “avere” is always used as the auxiliary. For example:

• Ho dovuto. (I had to.)

In other words, with Italian modal verbs in the passato prossimo, we have three verbs:

essere/avere + verbo servile + main verb.

For example:

• Ieri ho dovuto lavorare molto .

An easy trick to identify essere or avere as the correct verb is to use the question “che cosa?” (“what?”) with the verb. STUDIARE (che cosa? la matematica), MANGIARE (che cosa? i tortellini).

If you can answer the question, the verb supports a direct object (called a verbo transitivo) and uses avere. Otherwise, use essere. This works in most cases, not all, but it’s a simple intuitive rule.

With Sapere, we mostly use avere with the passato prossimo and other compound tenses, or tend to express the concept of “I was able to” with “potere” or other set phrases. That’s why “sapere” is not considered a fully functioning modal verb and is often times excluded in grammar books.

Let’s check the details and use of Italian modal verbs. Listen to the audio and repeat to improve comprehension and pronunciation.

We will write examples for each verbo servile, with presente indicativo on the left and passato prossimo on the right, using a mix of verbs that take essere or avere. Personal pronouns are in order: IO, TU, LUI/LEI, NOI, VOI, LORO.

Ascolta questo dialogo

• 🧔🏻 – Gianna, puoi venire al concerto domani? – Gianna, can you come to the concert tomorrow?
• 👩🏼‍🦰 – Non posso venire, devo studiare per l’esame – I can’t come, I have to study for my exam.
• 🧔🏻 – Sai se qualcuno vuole venire? – Do you know if someone else wants to come?
• 👩🏼‍🦰 – So che Paola vuole andarci. Puoi chiamarla – I know Paola wants to go. You can give her a call.
• 🧔🏻 – Vuoi studiare insieme a me domani? – Do you want to study with me tomorrow?
• 👩🏼‍🦰 – Va bene, possiamo studiare domani pomeriggio – Ok, we can study tomorrow afternoon.
• 🧔🏻 – Perfetto, allora ci vediamo domani – Perfect, see you tomorrow then.
• 👩🏼‍🦰 – D’accordo, buona serata! – Ok, have a good evening!

FAQs

Q: Can modal verbs be used without other verbs?

A: Yes, modal verbs can be used alone in Italian, but they usually require another verb to complete their meaning.

Q: Can modal verbs be used in compound tenses?

A: Absolutely, modal verbs in Italian can be conjugated in compound tenses like the passato prossimo.

Q: What is the difference between “potere” and “sapere”?

A: “Potere” expresses ability or permission, while “sapere” indicates knowledge or skill. Potere is a proper modal verb, sapere is easier with simple tenses, rarely used in compound tenses under strict conditions (e.g. verbi riflessivi).

Q: Are modal verbs in Italian irregular?

A: Yes, modal verbs like dovere, potere, volere, and sapere have irregular conjugations.

After the Zoom Class

Here is your assignment. After the lesson, answer the questions. Your teacher will correct what you write. You will receive a confirmation by email.