A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I should get going" in Italian
Say 'Devo andare' to politely signal it's time for you to leave a social gathering or meeting.
Devo andare
DEH-voh ahn-DAH-rehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you've been chatting with friends at a bar, are finishing up a meal with family, or need to excuse yourself from a casual meeting. It's a gentle way to indicate your departure is imminent.
Alternatives
- Me ne vadoThis is more direct and can sound a bit abrupt, best for very close friends.
- Sto andando viaThis emphasizes the action of leaving right now, slightly more informal than 'Devo andare'.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'dovere' with 'should'
'Dovere' means 'to have to' or 'must,' so 'Devo andare' is stronger than the English 'I should get going.'
Pronouncing 'andare' as 'an-DARE'
The stress is on the second syllable: an-DAH-reh, not the last.
A small cultural note
Italians often linger when saying goodbye, so 'Devo andare' is a signal that you *intend* to leave soon, not necessarily that you are walking out the door that second.
Frequently asked
How do I say 'I should leave' in Italian?
The most common way is 'Devo andare.' It literally means 'I have to go,' but it's used for 'I should get going.'
Is 'Devo andare' formal or informal?
It's generally considered neutral and can be used in most social settings. For very formal situations, you might add a 'Mi scusi' beforehand.
When do Italians actually leave after saying 'Devo andare'?
It's often a polite signal that you'll be leaving shortly, not an immediate departure. Expect some further conversation or a final round of goodbyes.
