Italian Phrase
Quando devo andare?
Meaning
Literally, “When must I go?” It is the polite way to ask for the appropriate time to leave or to attend an event. The nuance is that the speaker is looking for a recommendation rather than a strict rule.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to confirm the best time to meet a friend, catch a train, attend a class, or leave a host’s house. It works both in casual conversation and in more formal settings such as asking a receptionist or a teacher.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quandodevoandare?
Quando (interrogative adverb)
Used to ask about the time of an event; it can be followed by a verb or a clause.
Devo (present of dovere)
The verb ‘dovere’ expresses obligation or a recommendation; in questions it often translates to ‘should’.
Andare (infinitive)
The infinitive follows ‘devo’ to indicate the action that is required – here, ‘to go’.
Question intonation
In spoken Italian the pitch rises at the end of the sentence; the written question mark is optional in informal notes.
🗨In Conversation
Quando devo andare?
When should I go?
Puoi venire domani alle tre.
You can come tomorrow at three.
✕Common Mistakes
Devo andare quando?
The adverb ‘quando’ should come before the verb phrase, not after it.
Quando devo andare a?
Adding a stray preposition ‘a’ creates an ungrammatical fragment; the infinitive already contains the direction.
Quando devo andare?
Pronounce the final ‘e’ in ‘andare’ as a clear /e/ and the ‘r’ as a tapped /r/; a flat vowel can make you sound non‑native.
↔Alternatives
A che ora devo andare?
At what time should I go?
Qual è il momento migliore per andare?
What is the best time to go?
Quando è il momento giusto per andare?
When is the right time to go?
Cultural Tip
In Italy people often prefer ‘A che ora…’ when they want a precise clock‑time, while ‘Quando…’ is more open‑ended and can refer to a part of the day or a general period. Adding a polite ‘per favore’ or a smile makes the request sound even more courteous. Remember that Italians may answer with a specific hour, a phrase like ‘verso le otto’ (around eight), or a relative expression such as ‘prima di cena’ (before dinner).