我得走了
wǒ děi zǒu le
The English phrase "I have to go" is translated into Chinese as 我得走了 (wǒ děi zǒu le).
我得走了 is a phrase used to indicate that the speaker needs to leave the current location or end a conversation. It is commonly used as a polite way to signal the end of a social interaction or a phone call.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I), 得 (must/have to), 走 (to go/leave) and 了 (a particle indicating a change of state).
Which one should you use?
You might use 我要走了 to simply say "I'm leaving," or 我先走了 to say "I'll leave first" when you are departing before others.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 了 at the end of the phrase indicates a change in the current situation, implying that the speaker was previously staying but is now transitioning to leaving.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ děi zǒu le
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, it is customary to stand up or make movements to indicate departure politely.
Did you know?
- In very informal settings, friends might replace 我得走了 with 我溜了 (wǒ liū le), which literally means 'I have slipped away' like a fish.
- In social settings, Chinese speakers often repeat 我走了 or 我走了啊 several times before actually exiting the door, turning a simple 'I have to go' into a prolonged ritual of departure.
- While 得 (děi) means 'must' in 我得走了, the same character is pronounced dé when it means 'to obtain' or 'to get'.
Examples in context
- 我得走了。I have to go now.This sentence is useful for stating that you must leave now.Tatoeba #345397 by zhouj1955, translation #321700 by CK
- 时间不早了，我得走了。Shíjiān bù zǎo le, wǒ děi zǒu le.It is getting late, I have to go.
- 不好意思，我得走了。Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ děi zǒu le.Sorry, I have to go.
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting at a cafe.
- 佳怡 Jiayi浩然，我得走了。Hàorán, wǒ děi zǒu le.Haoran, I have to go.
- 浩然 Haoran这么快就走了吗？Zhème kuài jiù zǒu le ma?Are you leaving so soon?
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，我还有个会议。Shì de, wǒ hái yǒu gè huìyì.Yes, I still have a meeting.
- 浩然 Haoran好吧，路上小心。Hǎo ba, lùshàng xiǎoxīn.Alright, get home safely.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
