Italian Phrase
Devo andare subito.
Meaning
Literally ‘I must go immediately’, this sentence conveys a personal obligation to leave right away. It can be used in both casual and semi‑formal contexts when you need to express urgency.
When to use
Use it when you have to excuse yourself from a conversation, a meeting, or any situation that requires you to leave at once – for example, after receiving an urgent phone call or when you’re running late for an appointment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devoandaresubito
Dovere (modal verb)
‘Devo’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘dovere’, used to express personal obligation or necessity.
Infinitive after modal
When a modal verb (dovere, potere, volere) is used, the main verb stays in the infinitive form – here ‘andare’.
Adverb placement
Adverbs of time or manner such as ‘subito’ normally follow the infinitive in Italian, giving a natural flow.
🗨In Conversation
Devo andare subito.
I have to go right now.
Va bene, ci sentiamo più tardi.
Alright, we’ll talk later.
✕Common Mistakes
Devo subito andare.
The adverb ‘subito’ should follow the infinitive, not precede it.
Devo andare subito ora.
‘Subito’ already means ‘right away’; adding ‘ora’ is redundant and sounds unnatural.
Devo andare subito a casa.
If you want to specify a destination, place it after the adverb: ‘Devo andare subito a casa.’ (the original is actually correct, but learners often omit the article or misplace it).
↔Alternatives
Devo partire subito.
I must leave immediately.
Devo uscire subito.
I have to go out right away.
Devo andarmene subito.
I have to get out of here right now.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, ‘subito’ carries a strong sense of urgency. Italians also use ‘adesso’, ‘immediatamente’ or ‘fra un attimo’ depending on the level of formality. When speaking to strangers or in a professional setting, pairing the phrase with a polite ‘Mi scusi’ (Excuse me) softens the abruptness.