me tengo que ir, adiós
The English phrase 'I have to go, bye' is translated into Spanish as me tengo que ir, adiós.
The phrase is used to signal that the speaker is physically leaving or must end a current activity. You can also use buen día to say 'have a good day'.
Which one should you use?
While me tengo que ir, adiós is a standard way to express this, you can use me tengo que marchar, adiós to express the act of departing with a slightly more formal tone. For the goodbye portion, chao is a common, informal way to say 'bye' in many Spanish-speaking regions and can be used instead of adiós.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal situation, you might use Debo partir, hasta luego. If you are in an informal setting, you can say Tengo que irme, chao. or Me tengo que marchar, nos vemos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to say Tengo que irme, ¡hasta mañana! if you intend to see the person the following day.
When do people say it?
In Costa Rica, it is customary to say ¡pura vida! when leaving.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Lo siento, me tengo que ir, adiós.I am sorry, I have to go, bye.
- Ya es tarde, me tengo que ir, adiós.It is late already, I have to go, bye.
- Me tengo que ir, adiós, nos vemos mañana.I have to go, bye, see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are finishing a phone call in the afternoon.
- ElenaGracias por la ayuda, Mateo.Thanks for the help, Mateo.
- MateoDe nada, Elena. ¿Todo bien?You're welcome, Elena. Is everything okay?
- ElenaSí, pero me tengo que ir, adiós.Yes, but I have to go, bye.
- MateoEntiendo. ¡Hasta luego!I understand. See you later!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adiós, ir, me, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
