Italian Phrase
Cosa vuoi diventare?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask someone about their future career aspirations or personal growth goals. It literally translates to 'What do you want to become?' and is commonly directed at children or young adults discussing their future. It focuses on the identity or profession the person hopes to achieve.
When to use
Use this in casual conversations when discussing future plans, career paths, or dreams. It is appropriate for social settings, school environments, or family gatherings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cosavuoidiventare
Cosa
'Cosa' is a pronoun meaning 'what'. In Italian, it is often a shortened version of 'che cosa'.
Vuoi
This is the second-person singular (tu) form of the irregular verb 'volere' (to want).
Diventare
This is the infinitive form of the verb meaning 'to become'. It follows the modal verb 'vuoi' directly.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa vuoi diventare?
What do you want to become?
Voglio diventare un astronauta.
I want to become an astronaut.
✕Common Mistakes
Cosa vuoi di diventare?
The verb 'volere' (to want) is a modal verb and does not require a preposition like 'di' before the following infinitive.
Cosa vuoi diventato?
After the conjugated verb 'vuoi', you must use the infinitive form 'diventare' rather than the past participle.
↔Alternatives
Che lavoro vorresti fare?
What job would you like to do?
Quali sono i tuoi sogni?
What are your dreams?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, asking 'Cosa vuoi diventare?' is a classic question for children, often answered with 'calciatore' (footballer) or 'medico' (doctor). For adults, the phrasing 'Cosa vorresti fare nella vita?' is generally preferred as it sounds more sophisticated and less like a childhood dream.