Italian Phrase
Devo fare la spesa.
Meaning
Literally ‘I must do the shopping’, this sentence is used to state that you have an obligation to go grocery‑shopping. It can also be translated as ‘I need to shop’ or ‘I have to do the grocery shopping’.
When to use
Use it in everyday conversation when you want to explain why you’re busy, when you’re planning your day, or when someone asks if you’re free for an activity.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devofarelaspesa
Dovere (present)
‘Devo’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘dovere’, used to express personal obligation or necessity.
Fare (infinitive)
‘Fare’ is the infinitive of the verb ‘to do / to make’; after ‘dovere’ it keeps its infinitive form.
Article agreement
‘Spesa’ is a feminine noun, so it takes the definite article ‘la’, not ‘il’ or ‘lo’.
🗨In Conversation
Ti va di prendere un caffè?
Do you feel like grabbing a coffee?
Mi dispiace, devo fare la spesa.
Sorry, I have to do the shopping.
✕Common Mistakes
Devo fare lo spesa.
‘Spesa’ is feminine, so the correct article is ‘la’, not ‘lo’.
Devo fare la spese.
‘Spesa’ is singular here; using the plural ‘spese’ changes the meaning.
Devo faccio la spesa.
After ‘dovere’, the verb stays in infinitive; do not conjugate it (e.g., *‘devo faccio’).
↔Alternatives
Devo andare a fare la spesa.
I have to go shopping.
Devo comprare il cibo.
I have to buy food.
Mi tocca fare la spesa.
I’m stuck with the shopping.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, ‘fare la spesa’ usually means buying groceries for the week, often at a local market or a small neighborhood supermarket. Italians tend to shop more frequently than in some other countries, so you’ll hear this phrase often in daily life. Remember that ‘spesa’ refers to food and household items, not to buying clothes or electronics.