Italian Phrase
Devo scappare adesso.
Meaning
The speaker is stating an urgent personal obligation to leave or run away immediately. It can be used when you need to exit a conversation, a place, or a situation in a hurry.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal or semi‑formal contexts when you have to excuse yourself abruptly—e.g., before a meeting ends, when a train is about to leave, or when you sense danger. It conveys a sense of immediacy.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devoscappareadesso
Devo (dovere)
‘Devo’ is the first‑person singular present of the modal verb ‘dovere’, used to express personal obligation or necessity.
scappare (infinitive)
‘scappare’ is a regular –are verb meaning ‘to run away, to escape, to leave quickly’. It appears in its infinitive form after a modal verb.
adesso (adverb)
‘adesso’ means ‘now’. It is informal and interchangeable with ‘ora’, but ‘adesso’ is more common in spoken Italian.
🗨In Conversation
Scusami, devo scappare adesso, altrimenti perderò il treno.
Sorry, I have to run now, otherwise I’ll miss the train.
Capisco, buona fortuna!
I understand, good luck!
✕Common Mistakes
Devi scappare adesso.
‘Devi’ is second‑person singular; use ‘Devo’ when talking about yourself.
Devo scappare adesso subito.
Redundant – ‘adesso’ already means ‘now’; adding ‘subito’ is unnecessary.
Devo scappare adesso?
The phrase is a statement, not a question; use a question mark only if you’re actually asking.
↔Alternatives
Devo andare subito.
I have to go right away.
Devo partire ora.
I must leave now.
Mi devo andare adesso.
I have to go now.
Cultural Tip
In everyday Italian, ‘scappare’ can sound a bit dramatic, as it literally means ‘to escape’. Native speakers often prefer ‘devo andare’ or ‘devo uscire’ for a neutral ‘I have to go’. ‘Adesso’ is informal; in formal writing you might choose ‘subito’ or ‘immediatamente’. Also, Italians value politeness when cutting a conversation short, so a brief apology (e.g., ‘Scusami’) is customary.