Devo andare
The Italian phrase for "I have to go" is Devo andare.
Devo andare is used to indicate that the speaker needs to leave their current location or needs to end a conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular of dovere (to have to/must) and the infinitive andare (to go), literally meaning "I must go".
Which one should you use?
While Devo andare expresses a necessity or obligation, Vado (I am going) is often used more simply to announce one's departure. If you want to express the general necessity of leaving without making it personal, you can use the impersonal form Bisogna andare, which means "One must go" or "It is necessary to go".
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject pronoun io (I) is typically omitted because the verb conjugation devo already indicates the first-person singular.
Did you know?
- If you are leaving a social gathering and want to sound polite, you might say Devo scappare, which literally means 'I must escape'.
- The verb andare is used in the phrase Andare a ruba, which describes something that is selling so fast it is as if people are stealing it.
- The word andare shares an ancient, indirect connection with the English verb 'to go' through the Latin concept of movement, but it is actually a 'suppletive' verb, meaning it was formed by merging different ancient roots.
Examples in context
- Devo andare a casa.I have to go home.This sentence is useful for showing how to say you have to go home using Devo andare.Tatoeba #2773647 by Guybrush88, translation #256788 by CK
- Devo andare a letto.I have to go to bed.This sentence is useful for showing how to say you have to go to bed using Devo andare.Tatoeba #710679 by Guybrush88, translation #1395 by brauliobezerra
- Devo andare con Tom.I have to go with Tom.This sentence is useful for showing how to say you have to go with someone using Devo andare.Tatoeba #5151458 by Guybrush88, translation #5149983 by CK
- 162 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are meeting at a café.
- MartinaÈ stato bello vederti, Francesco.It was nice to see you, Francesco.
- FrancescoAnche per me, Martina.For me too, Martina.
- MartinaDevo andare, ho un impegno.I have to go, I have an appointment.
- FrancescoVa bene, a presto!Alright, see you soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries andare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
