me tengo que ir
/me tenɡo ke iɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I gotta go" is translated into Spanish as me tengo que ir.
me tengo que ir is used to express that you must leave a physical location or to signal that you need to end a conversation or a phone call.
Which one should you use?
While you might see tengo que ir used, the reflexive form me tengo que ir is the standard way to express that you are leaving a place. For a much shorter and very common alternative to express the same intent, you can use me voy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, especially in Latin America, the phrase tengo que partir is used to indicate it is time to leave.
How do you pronounce it?
/me tenɡo ke iɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb ir in me tengo que ir is a linguistic chameleon. While its present tense form voy comes from the Latin 'vādere', meaning 'to go/walk', its past tense 'fui' actually comes from the Latin verb 'esse', meaning 'to be'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying me tengo que ir abruptly can seem rude. People often use 'softeners' like bueno or pues and linger for a few minutes of 'social goodbye' before actually exiting.
- If you are in Argentina or Uruguay and want to tell someone 'go' using the informal 'voseo' form, you might say andá instead of using ir. This version is actually derived from the verb andar, which means 'to walk'.
Examples in context
- Chicos, me tengo que ir.Guys, I gotta go.This example shows how to use me tengo que ir when addressing a group of people.Tatoeba #580617 by Shishir, translation #402546 by Dorenda
- Se hace tarde, me tengo que ir.It's getting late. I gotta go.This example uses me tengo que ir to explain that you are leaving because it is getting late.Tatoeba #480050 by Raimondi, translation #383505 by kellenparker
- ¡Bueno, me voy! Nos vemos mañana.Alright, I gotta go! See you tomorrow.
- Me tengo que ir, mi mamá me espera en casa.I gotta go, my mom is waiting for me at home.
- Me lo he pasado muy bien, pero tengo que irme a estudiar.I've had a great time, but I have to go study.
- Tengo que irme porque llego tarde a mi clase de baile.I have to go because I'm running late for my dance class.
- Fue un placer hablar contigo, pero tengo que partir ahora.It was a pleasure talking to you, but I gotta go now.
- Lo siento, pero me tengo que ir. Tengo una cita importante.I'm sorry, but I have to go. I have an important appointment.
- Perdón, pero debo marcharme ahora. Tengo una reunión importante.Excuse me, but I must leave now. I have an important meeting.
- Necesito retirarme. Tengo que preparar una presentación para mañana.I need to go. I have to prepare a presentation for tomorrow.
- Nos ha complacido colaborar con ustedes, pero es hora de irme.It's been a pleasure collaborating with you all, but it's time for me to go.
- Lo siento, me tengo que ir ya.I'm sorry, I gotta go now.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofia are talking at a cafe.
- MateoMe tengo que ir ahora, Mateo.I gotta go now, Mateo.
- SofíaEstá bien, Sofía. Hasta mañana.That's fine, Sofia. See you tomorrow.
- MateoSí, nos vemos mañana.Yes, see you tomorrow.
- SofíaCuídate mucho.Take care.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ir, me, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
