volere bene

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Italian

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Etymology

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From Latin benē volō. Literally, to wish well.

Verb

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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)

  1. to be affectionate (to), to feel affection or love (for); to care (for/about); to be fond (of) [with a ‘someone’]
    ti voglio beneI love you
    voglio bene a MarcoI love Marco

Usage notes

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  • 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.
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