6.2 The Conditional (Condizionale)

Forming the conditional

The condizionale ('would do') uses the same stem as the future plus the endings -ei, -esti, -ebbe, -emmo, -este, -ebbero: parlare → parlerei, prenderei, dormirei.

Uses

The conditional expresses politeness and hypotheticals: 'Vorrei un caffè' (I would like a coffee), 'Potresti aiutarmi?' (Could you help me?).

Irregular stems

Same irregular stems as the future: essere → sar- (sarei), avere → avr- (avrei), fare → far- (farei), volere → vorr- (vorrei).

Key terms

condizionale

would + verb; future stem + -ei,-esti,-ebbe...

parlerei

I would speak

Vorrei...

I would like... (polite request)

Potresti...?

Could you...? (polite)

Irregular stems

sar-, avr-, far-, vorr- (same as future)

Try an AP-style question

"Vorrei un caffè" means…

1. I would like a coffee
2. I want a coffee now
3. I had a coffee
4. I will buy a coffee