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Italian Phrase

Devo andare a una riunione di famiglia.

/ˈde.vo anˈda.re a ˈu.na rjuˈnjo.ne di famˈmiʎʎa/
Meaning"I have to go to a family gathering."
💡

Meaning

I have to go to a family gathering. The sentence conveys a personal obligation to attend a meeting that involves members of one’s family.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need to explain to a friend, colleague, or teacher that you must leave because you’re heading to a family meeting, whether it’s a formal reunion or a casual get‑together.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Devoandareaunariunionedifamiglia

1

Devo (dovere)

‘Devo’ is the first‑person singular present of the modal verb ‘dovere’, used to express personal obligation or necessity.

2

Infinitive after modal

When a modal verb (dovere, potere, volere) is used, it is followed by an infinitive verb—in this case ‘andare’.

3

Preposition a + infinitive

‘a’ introduces the destination of the movement expressed by ‘andare’.

4

Indefinite article una

‘una’ is the feminine singular indefinite article, matching the gender of ‘riunione’.

5

Noun + di + noun

‘riunione di famiglia’ uses the preposition ‘di’ to indicate the type of meeting – a family meeting.

🗨In Conversation

A

Devo andare a una riunione di famiglia.

I have to go to a family gathering.

Capisco, buona riunione!

I understand, have a good meeting!

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Devo andare a una riunione famiglia.

    Missing the preposition ‘di’ that links ‘riunione’ and ‘famiglia’.

  • Devo andare una riunione di famiglia.

    The preposition ‘a’ is required after ‘andare’ to indicate direction.

  • Sono andare a una riunione di famiglia.

    ‘Sono’ (I am) cannot replace the modal ‘devo’; it changes the meaning entirely.

↔Alternatives

  • Devo partecipare a una riunione di famiglia.

    I have to take part in a family gathering.

  • Ho un impegno familiare.

    I have a family commitment.

  • Devo andare a un incontro di famiglia.

    I have to go to a family meeting.

it

Cultural Tip

Family gatherings are a cornerstone of Italian social life. They often involve a shared meal, lively conversation, and the presence of multiple generations. When you say ‘riunione di famiglia’, you’re usually referring to a more organized or formal event (e.g., a reunion after a long time apart). For a casual get‑together, Italians more often say ‘incontro di famiglia’ or simply ‘cena di famiglia’. Using the correct register shows respect for the occasion.