Italian Phrase
Te ne vai?
Meaning
This phrase comes from the pronominal verb 'andarsene', which means 'to go away' or 'to leave'. It is more specific than the simple verb 'andare' (to go) because it emphasizes the act of departing from a specific place.
When to use
Use this question when you notice someone is about to leave a party, an office, or your home. It is often used with 'già' (already) to express surprise, as in 'Te ne vai già?'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenevai
Andarsene
This is a pronominal verb where 'andare' is combined with the reflexive 'si' and the particle 'ne' (from there).
Pronominal Shift
The pronoun 'ti' (you) becomes 'te' because it is followed by 'ne'. This is a standard phonetic rule in Italian grammar.
Vai
This is the second-person singular present indicative of the irregular verb 'andare'.
🗨In Conversation
Prendo le chiavi e vado.
I'm taking the keys and going.
Te ne vai già? È presto!
Are you leaving already? It's early!
✕Common Mistakes
Ti ne vai?
In Italian, the reflexive pronoun 'ti' changes to 'te' when it is followed by the particle 'ne'.
Vai?
While 'vai' means 'you go', it sounds incomplete when you mean 'leaving the current location'; 'andarsene' is the correct verb form for leaving.
↔Alternatives
Vai via?
Are you going away?
Ti stai allontanando?
Are you moving away?
Esci?
Are you going out?
Cultural Tip
Italians often value long goodbyes. Asking 'Te ne vai?' can be a way to show you enjoyed the person's company and are sad to see them go. In casual settings, it is a very common way to acknowledge someone's departure.