Italian Phrase
Devo lavare i vestiti oggi.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a personal obligation or necessity regarding household chores. It combines the modal verb 'dovere' (to have to) with the action of doing laundry.
When to use
Use this sentence when discussing your daily schedule or explaining why you are busy with housework. It is a standard way to mention you are doing laundry.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devolavarei vestitioggi
Dovere
The verb 'devo' is the first-person singular present indicative of 'dovere', expressing necessity.
Direct Infinitive
In Italian, modal verbs (dovere, potere, volere) connect directly to the next verb in its infinitive form.
I vestiti
'Vestiti' is the masculine plural for clothes, requiring the definite article 'i'.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi uscire a prendere un caffè?
Do you want to go out for a coffee?
Magari più tardi, devo lavare i vestiti oggi.
Maybe later, I have to wash the clothes today.
✕Common Mistakes
Devo di lavare i vestiti oggi.
Modal verbs like 'dovere' are followed directly by the infinitive without a preposition.
Devo lavare i vestiti d'oggi.
Use 'oggi' as an adverb of time rather than a possessive description of the day.
↔Alternatives
Ho bisogno di fare il bucato.
I need to do the laundry.
Mi tocca lavare i panni.
It's my turn to wash the clothes.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, many people prefer air-drying clothes on a 'stendino' (drying rack) or balcony lines rather than using a mechanical dryer. The phrase 'fare il bucato' is often used interchangeably with 'lavare i vestiti'.