Italian Phrase
Vorrei che mi chiamassero per svegliarmi.
Meaning
I would like them to call me so that I can wake up. The sentence expresses a polite wish, using the conditional ‘vorrei’ and the imperfect subjunctive ‘chiamassero’ to indicate a desired but not yet realized action.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to ask someone (a family member, a friend, or a service) to give you a wake‑up call. It’s especially handy when you need a personal reminder instead of an alarm clock.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vorreichemichiamasseropersvegliarmi
Vorrei (conditional)
‘Vorrei’ is the first‑person singular conditional of ‘volere’, used to express a polite desire or wish.
che (subjunctive trigger)
The conjunction ‘che’ introduces a clause that requires the subjunctive mood after verbs of desire, doubt, or emotion.
mi (reflexive pronoun)
‘mi’ is the first‑person singular reflexive pronoun, acting as the indirect object of ‘chiamassero’.
chiamassero (imperf. subj.)
Imperfect subjunctive of ‘chiamare’. Used after ‘vorrei che’ to talk about a hypothetical or desired action in the past/future.
per (purpose)
The preposition ‘per’ introduces an infinitive clause that explains the purpose of the main action.
svegliarmi (infinitive + reflexive)
The infinitive ‘svegliarsi’ combined with the pronoun ‘mi’ means ‘to wake myself up’ (i.e., ‘to wake me up’).
🗨In Conversation
Vorrei che mi chiamassero per svegliarmi domani mattina alle sette.
I’d like them to call me to wake me up tomorrow morning at seven.
Certo, ti chiamerò alle sette e ti sveglierò con una canzone.
Sure, I’ll call you at seven and wake you up with a song.
✕Common Mistakes
Vorrei che mi chiamare per svegliarmi.
After ‘vorrei che’ you need the subjunctive, not the infinitive.
Vorrei che mi chiamassero per mi svegliare.
The reflexive pronoun must be attached to the infinitive: ‘svegliarmi’. ‘Mi svegliare’ is a finite verb form and does not fit here.
↔Alternatives
Mi piacerebbe che mi chiamaste per svegliarmi.
I would like you to call me to wake me up.
Vorrei ricevere una chiamata per svegliarmi.
I would like to receive a call to wake me up.
Potresti chiamarmi per svegliarmi?
Could you call me to wake me up?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, most people rely on alarm clocks or smartphone alarms to wake up. Asking for a wake‑up call (‘una chiamata per svegliarmi’) is more common among older generations or when you’re staying at a hotel that offers a ‘sveglia’ service. Keep the tone polite – the conditional + subjunctive construction sounds courteous and respectful.