Italian Phrase
Vado a prendere i miei figli a scuola.
Meaning
This phrase expresses the action of leaving to collect one's children from their place of education. It combines the verb 'andare' (to go) with 'prendere' (to take/pick up) to show a purposeful movement.
When to use
Use this phrase when explaining your immediate plans to a friend, colleague, or family member. It is a standard way to justify leaving a meeting or ending a conversation in the afternoon.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vadoaprenderei miei figlia scuola
Andare a + Infinito
The construction 'vado a' followed by an infinitive is used to indicate that you are going somewhere to do something.
Possessives with Family
For plural family members like 'figli', you must always include the definite article 'i' before the possessive 'miei'.
🗨In Conversation
Hai tempo per un altro caffè?
Do you have time for another coffee?
Purtroppo no, vado a prendere i miei figli a scuola.
Unfortunately no, I am going to pick up my children from school.
✕Common Mistakes
Vado per prendere i miei figli.
In Italian, the verb 'andare' is followed by the preposition 'a' before an infinitive to express purpose, not 'per'.
Vado a prendere miei figli a scuola.
Unlike English, Italian requires a definite article (i) before possessive adjectives for plural family members.
↔Alternatives
Vado a prendere i bambini.
I am going to pick up the kids.
Devo andare a scuola a prendere i figli.
I have to go to school to pick up the children.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the school run is a significant part of the daily social routine. It is common for parents or grandparents to gather outside the school gates ('i cancelli') well before the bell rings to socialize with other families.