Italian Phrase
Ho voglia di pizza.
Meaning
Literally ‘I have a desire for pizza’, this phrase is the everyday way to say ‘I feel like having pizza’ or ‘I’m craving pizza’. It’s informal and used in casual conversation.
When to use
Use it when you’re deciding what to eat, when you’re inviting friends to join you for a pizza night, or simply to express a sudden craving. It works both in spoken and written informal Italian.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hovogliadipizza
avere (ho)
The verb *avere* in the first‑person singular present (ho) is used idiomatically to express desire when followed by *voglia di*.
voglia (noun)
*Voglia* is a feminine noun meaning ‘desire, craving’; it follows *avere* and takes the preposition *di* before the thing wanted.
di + noun
The preposition *di* links the desire to the object; it is the standard construction after *voglia*.
pizza
A universally loved Italian dish; the word is masculine singular and does not change in this expression.
🗨In Conversation
Che cosa vuoi mangiare stasera?
What do you want to eat tonight?
Ho voglia di pizza.
I feel like having pizza.
✕Common Mistakes
Sono voglia di pizza.
The verb *avere* (ho) is required; *essere* (sono) does not collocate with *voglia*.
Ho voglia a pizza.
The correct preposition after *voglia* is *di*, not *a*.
Ho voglia per pizza.
Use *di* after *voglia*; *per* changes the meaning and sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
Mi va la pizza.
Pizza sounds good to me.
Vorrei una pizza.
I would like a pizza.
Desidero una pizza.
I desire a pizza.
Cultural Tip
Pizza is a national symbol of Italy, but the style varies dramatically from the thin‑crust Neapolitan pizza of the south to the thicker, airy Roman version. When you say *Ho voglia di pizza*, Italians often think of sharing a whole pie with friends rather than ordering a single slice. Also, *avere voglia di* can be followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., *ho voglia di cantare*), so keep the preposition *di* consistent.