A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I have to go" in Spanish
The most common way to say 'I have to go' in Spanish, useful in almost any situation.
Tengo que irme
TEN-goh keh EER-mehneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need to end a conversation or leave a place. It's perfect for wrapping up a chat with friends, leaving a meeting, or saying goodbye at the end of the day.
Alternatives
- Me tengo que irVery similar, just a slightly different word order.
- Debo irmeSounds a bit more formal or like a stronger obligation.
- AdiósThis is a general 'goodbye' and doesn't specifically mean 'I have to go'.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'tener que' with 'tener'
'Tener' alone means 'to have' (possession), but 'tener que' means 'to have to' (obligation).
Forgetting the reflexive 'me'
Saying 'Tengo que ir' is understandable, but 'Tengo que irme' is more natural for leaving yourself.
A small cultural note
While 'Tengo que irme' is standard, a quick 'Bueno, me voy' (Well, I'm off) is a very common, slightly more casual way to signal departure.
Frequently asked
what's the difference between tengo que irme and me voy
'Tengo que irme' expresses a necessity or obligation to leave. 'Me voy' is a more direct statement that you are leaving right now.
can I use tengo que irme in formal situations
Yes, 'Tengo que irme' is generally neutral and appropriate for most formal settings. For very high formality, 'Debo retirarme' might be preferred.
how to say I have to go in Mexico
In Mexico, 'Tengo que irme' is perfectly understood and widely used. You might also hear 'Ya me voy' (I'm leaving now) or 'Hay que retirarse' (One must leave).
How do you say "I have to go"?
The most common way to say "I have to go" in Spanish is "Tengo que irme." You can also use "Me tengo que ir."
How do I say "I have to go politely"?
To be more polite, you can say "Tengo que irme ahora, por favor" (I have to go now, please) or "Disculpe, tengo que irme" (Excuse me, I have to go).
I have to go in Spanish informal
For informal situations, you can say "Me voy" which is a more casual way of saying "I'm leaving" or "I have to go."
I have to go to the bathroom in Spanish
To say "I have to go to the bathroom," you can say "Tengo que ir al baño."
