Italian Phrase
Ora devo pulire.
Meaning
This phrase expresses an immediate necessity or obligation to perform cleaning tasks. It combines the temporal adverb 'ora' with the modal verb 'dovere' and the infinitive 'pulire'.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are about to start chores or need to decline an invitation because you have housework to do. It is appropriate for casual and semi-formal domestic contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oradevopulire
Ora
An adverb meaning 'now', often used to emphasize the immediacy of an action.
Devo
The first-person singular present form of the modal verb 'dovere', indicating 'I must' or 'I have to'.
Pulire
An infinitive verb meaning 'to clean'; it follows the modal verb without a preposition.
🗨In Conversation
Vuoi uscire a bere un caffè?
Do you want to go out for a coffee?
Mi piacerebbe, ma ora devo pulire.
I'd like to, but now I have to clean.
✕Common Mistakes
Ora ho pulire.
Use the modal verb 'devo' for obligation; 'ho' (to have) is incorrect here.
Ora devo pulisco.
After a modal verb like 'devo', you must use the infinitive form 'pulire' rather than a conjugated verb.
↔Alternatives
Mi tocca pulire.
It's my turn to clean.
Devo fare le pulizie.
I have to do the cleaning.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, keeping a tidy home is often associated with the concept of 'fare bella figura' (making a good impression). While 'pulire' is the general verb for cleaning, specific tasks like 'spolverare' (dusting) or 'lavare i piatti' (washing dishes) are also common in daily conversation.