Italian Phrase
Dobbiamo arrivare presto.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘We have to arrive early.’ It conveys a shared obligation to be at a certain place before the usual or expected time, often used when planning travel, meetings, or events.
When to use
Use this phrase when coordinating schedules with friends, family, or colleagues and you need to stress that the group must be on time. It works in both informal chats and more formal planning contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dobbiamoarrivarepresto
Dobbiamo (dovere)
‘Dobbiamo’ is the 1st‑person plural present of the modal verb *dovere*, used to express obligation or necessity (we must / we have to).
Arrivare (infinitive)
*Arrivare* is a regular –are verb in its infinitive form; after a modal verb like *dovere* the infinitive follows directly.
Presto (adverb)
*Presto* is an adverb of time meaning ‘early’ or ‘soon’; placed after the infinitive it modifies the whole action.
🗨In Conversation
A che ora parte il treno per Roma?
What time does the train to Rome leave?
Dobbiamo arrivare presto, quindi partiamo alle sette.
We have to arrive early, so we’ll leave at seven.
✕Common Mistakes
Devo arrivare presto.
‘Devo’ is singular (I have to); use *dobbiamo* for a group.
Arriviamo presto.
This is present indicative meaning ‘we arrive early (habitually)’, not an obligation.
Presto dobbiamo arrivare.
While understandable, the natural order in Italian places the modal verb first.
↔Alternatives
Dobbiamo essere lì presto.
We must be there early.
È necessario arrivare presto.
It is necessary to arrive early.
Dobbiamo giungere presto.
We must get there early.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, being early for business appointments or formal events is seen as a sign of respect, while social gatherings often run on a more relaxed schedule. Saying *Dobbiamo arrivare presto* signals that you value punctuality and want to avoid missing the start of the activity.