ci vuole
Lemma: ci vuole
Translation: it takes; it requires; it needs; it is necessary (phrase)
Etymology: This Italian phrase combines 'ci' (there, here, to it) with 'vuole' (it wants, it needs), which is the third-person singular present indicative of the verb 'volere' (to want). The construction literally means 'it wants there' but is used idiomatically to express necessity or requirement. 'Volere' derives from Latin 'velle' (to wish, to want), which shares roots with English words like 'volition' and 'voluntary'.
Example Usage
Ci vuole un'ora per arrivare all'aeroporto.
It takes an hour to get to the airport.
Ci vuole pazienza per imparare una lingua.
It takes patience to learn a language.
Ci vorrà del tempo per abituarsi.
It will take some time to get used to it.
Ci vogliono due uova per questa ricetta.
It takes two eggs for this recipe.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ci vuole' as 'it wants there' - something wants or requires something to be there.
- Remember that 'vuole' sounds a bit like 'value' - when something takes effort or time, it has value.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is extremely common in everyday Italian conversation and writing. Italians frequently use it to express requirements for time, effort, or qualities needed in various situations. It's often used with abstract nouns like 'pazienza' (patience), 'tempo' (time), or 'coraggio' (courage).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ci vuole' means 'it takes/requires', 'ci vediamo' means 'see you' or 'we'll see each other'. Both phrases start with 'ci' but have completely different meanings and uses.
Confused word:
Ci vediamo domani alla festa.
See you tomorrow at the party.
Notes: The confusion often arises because both are common phrases beginning with 'ci', but 'ci vuole' is about requirements while 'ci vediamo' is about seeing each other.
Mnemonic: 'Vuole' contains 'vuo-' which sounds like 'want' (requirement), while 'vediamo' contains 'ved-' which sounds like 'view' (seeing).
Explanation: 'Ci vuole' is an impersonal construction meaning 'it takes/requires', while 'vuole' alone simply means 'he/she/it wants'. The addition of 'ci' changes the meaning significantly.
Confused word:
Lei vuole un caffè.
She wants a coffee.
Notes: The 'ci' in 'ci vuole' makes the expression impersonal and changes the meaning from 'wanting' to 'requiring'.
Mnemonic: When you add 'ci' to 'vuole', you're no longer talking about what someone wants, but what a situation requires.