мне пора идти
mne pora idti
In Russian, the phrase to say "I have to go" is мне пора идти (mne pora idti).
The phrase мне пора идти is used to indicate that it is time for the speaker to leave. It specifically implies that the speaker is leaving on foot.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "to me it is time to go". The word пора functions as a predicate meaning "it is time", and the verb идти means "to go (on foot)".
Which one should you use?
While мне пора идти is the standard way to express this, it implies the act of walking. If you are leaving by vehicle, you should use мне пора ехать.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word пора is used with the dative case, which is why the pronoun for "me" appears as мне.
How do you pronounce it?
mne pora idti
Did you know?
- Russian has a related expression пора завязывать, which literally means 'it is time to tie it up'. This is used as a slang way to say 'i have to go' or 'i need to stop' when referring to a habit or a party.
- The verb идти in мне пора идти has a past tense form шёл that looks completely different from the present tense. This is a rare linguistic phenomenon called suppletion where a word's root is replaced by a different one.
- The phrase мне пора can be used ironically to tell someone else that their time is up. Depending on the tone and the pronoun used, it can shift from a polite departure to a firm dismissal.
Examples in context
- Боюсь, мне пора идти.I'm afraid I have to go now.Tatoeba #1051969 by afyodor, translation #41697 by CK
- Мне пора идти.I have to go now.Tatoeba #803657 by afyodor, translation #321700 by CK
- Мне пора идти спать.I have to go to sleep.Tatoeba #5410 by Tonari, translation #1277 by vinhan
- Извините, но мне нужно уйти.Sorry, but I have to go.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrey and Anastasia are finishing a conversation at a cafe.
- Андрей AndreyПрости, Анастасия, мне пора идти.Prosti, Anastasiya, mne pora idti.Forgive me, Anastasia, I have to go.
- Анастасия AnastasiaХорошо, Андрей, до встречи!Khorosho, Andrey, do vstrechi!Okay, Andrey, see you later!
- Андрей AndreyДа, до скорого.Da, do skorogo.Yes, see you soon.
- Анастасия AnastasiaПока!Poka!Bye!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries идти, мне, пора, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
