What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mō (already/now) and ikanakya (a colloquial contraction of ikanakereba naranai, meaning "must go").
Which one should you use?
While もう行かなきゃ is a standard colloquial way to say you must go, もう行かないと is another common colloquial way to say 'I have to go now', using a different conditional structure. For more formal situations, you would use mō ikanakereba narimasen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
もう行かなきゃ is informal and should be used with friends, family or peers rather than superiors. In formal settings, you might use Shitsurei shimasu, soro-soro shitsurei itashimasu. to say "Excuse me, but I must take my leave soon", Mou shitsurei itashimasu. to say "I apologize for leaving now", or Otsukaresama deshita, shitsurei itashimasu. which means "Thank you for your hard work, I must excuse myself."
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending -nakya is a common colloquial contraction of the conditional -nakereba used to express obligation.
How do you pronounce it?
mō ikanakya
When do people say it?
It is common in Japanese culture to bow slightly while excusing yourself or indicating the need to leave as a sign of respect.
Did you know?
- When using the formal version Shitsurei shimasu, you are literally saying 'I am going to be rude'.
- In Japanese, it is common to use 'vagueness' when leaving, such as saying soro-soro (gradually/soon) instead of stating a precise time. This softens the blow of ending a social interaction and avoids seeming abrupt.
- The colloquial ending -nakya in mō ikanakya hides a full sentence that translates to 'If I don't go, it will not do'.
Examples in context
- あ、もう行かなきゃ。A, mou ikanakya.Ah, I have to go now.
- ごめん、もう行かなきゃいけないんだ。Gomen, mou ikanakya ikenain da.Sorry, I have to go now.
- 時間が来たから、もう行かなきゃ。Jikan ga kita kara, mou ikanakya.The time has come, so I have to go now.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are chatting at a cafe when Yui realizes she is late.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、ごめん、もう行かなきゃ。Ren-kun, gomen, mou ikanakya.Ren, sorry, I have to go now.
- 蓮 Renえ、そんなに急いでるの？E, sonna ni isoideru no?Eh, are you in such a hurry?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、次の約束があるの。Un, tsugi no yakusoku ga aru no.Yes, I have another appointment.
- 蓮 Renわかった、また今度ね。Wakatta, mata kondo ne.I understand, see you next time.
