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Italian Phrase

Devo prelevare un po' di contanti.

/ˈde.vo pre.leˈva.re un po di konˈtan.ti/
Meaning"I need to withdraw some cash."
💡

Meaning

I need to withdraw some cash. The speaker is stating an obligation to get a modest amount of money from a bank, ATM, or similar source. The phrase softens the amount with 'un po'' to imply it’s not a large sum.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you are planning to get cash before a purchase, a trip, or when you simply ran out of money. It’s common in everyday conversation, especially when discussing errands or travel preparations.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Devoprelevareunpo'dicontanti

1

Devo (dovere)

Present indicative of 'dovere' (to have to) for first‑person singular, expressing personal obligation.

2

prelevare (infinitive)

Infinitive verb meaning 'to withdraw', commonly used for bank or ATM withdrawals.

3

un po'

A quantifier meaning 'a little' or 'some', written with an apostrophe after 'po'.

4

di (preposition)

Links the quantifier to the noun, indicating the amount of something.

5

contanti (plural noun)

Plural noun for 'cash'; always used in the plural form, never *il contante*.

🗨In Conversation

A

Devo prelevare un po' di contanti prima di andare al mercato.

I need to withdraw some cash before going to the market.

Va bene, ti aspetto alla filiale alle dieci.

Alright, I'll wait for you at the branch at ten.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Devo prelevare un po' di contante.

    ‘Contante’ is not used as a singular noun; the correct plural form is ‘contanti’.

  • Devo prelevare un po' di soldi contanti.

    While ‘soldi’ is correct, mixing ‘contanti’ with ‘soldi’ in the same phrase can sound redundant; choose one noun.

  • Devo prelevare dei contanti.

    The partitive article ‘dei’ is unnecessary before ‘contanti’; use ‘un po' di contanti’ or simply ‘contanti’.

↔Alternatives

  • Devo prendere dei soldi.

    I need to get some money.

  • Mi serve ritirare qualche contante.

    I need to withdraw a bit of cash.

  • Ho bisogno di prelevare un po' di denaro.

    I need to withdraw a little money.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy cash (contanti) is still the preferred payment method for many small shops, markets, and restaurants. ATMs are called 'bancomat' and are ubiquitous. Remember that 'contanti' is always plural; saying *il contante* or *un contante* is incorrect. When speaking informally you might also hear *scontrino* used for a small amount of cash, but 'contanti' is the standard term.