A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I have to go" in Italian
The standard Italian way to say 'I have to go,' useful for ending conversations politely.
Devo andare.
DEH-voh ahn-DAH-rehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need to leave a social gathering, a meeting, or a conversation. It's a direct but polite way to signal your departure.
Alternatives
- Mi devo muovere.Implies you need to get moving, perhaps a bit more urgently.
- Vado via.More casual, like saying 'I'm off' or 'I'm leaving'.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'Ho da andare.'
'Ho da andare' is grammatically correct but sounds very old-fashioned or regional; 'Devo andare' is the standard.
Stress 'Devo' correctly.
The stress is on the first syllable, 'DEH', not the second.
A small cultural note
Italians often signal they're leaving a bit in advance, so saying 'Devo andare' might be followed by a brief explanation or a promise to meet again soon.
Frequently asked
how to say i have to go in italian casual
For a casual setting, 'Vado via' is a good option, similar to saying 'I'm off.' 'Devo andare' is also fine and very common.
is devo andare formal or informal
'Devo andare' is generally neutral and can be used in most situations. It's not overly formal or strictly casual.
what's the difference between devo andare and vado via
'Devo andare' means 'I have to go,' emphasizing the necessity. 'Vado via' means 'I'm going away' or 'I'm leaving,' which is often more casual.
