Italian Phrase
Vuoi uscire stasera?
Meaning
This is a direct and informal way to ask someone if they would like to spend time together outside of the home during the evening. It combines the verb 'volere' (to want) with 'uscire' (to go out), serving as a standard invitation for social activities. The phrase is friendly and assumes a level of familiarity between the speakers.
When to use
Use this phrase when inviting a friend, a colleague you are close with, or a romantic interest to do something in the evening. It is the go-to expression for making casual plans like grabbing a drink, seeing a movie, or just walking around the city.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vuoiuscirestasera?
Vuoi
The second-person singular present tense of the verb 'volere' (to want).
Uscire
An infinitive verb meaning 'to go out'. In Italian, the second verb in a pair stays in the infinitive.
Stasera
A compound word formed from 'questa' (this) and 'sera' (evening), used to mean 'tonight'.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi uscire stasera?
Do you want to go out tonight?
Sì, volentieri! Dove andiamo?
Yes, gladly! Where are we going?
✕Common Mistakes
Vuoi di uscire stasera?
In Italian, modal verbs like 'volere' are followed directly by the infinitive without the preposition 'di'.
Vuoi esci stasera?
When two verbs are used together like this, only the first one is conjugated; the second must remain in the infinitive form 'uscire'.
↔Alternatives
Ti va di uscire stasera?
Do you feel like going out tonight?
Usciamo stasera?
Shall we go out tonight?
Che fai stasera?
What are you doing tonight?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, 'uscire' often centers around the 'piazza' or a local bar for an 'aperitivo'. It is very common to make these plans last-minute or just a few hours before meeting. If you are in a more formal setting, you might use 'Le va di uscire' to show respect, though social invitations are typically informal.