Italian Phrase
Devo andare via tra poco.
Meaning
I have to leave soon. The speaker is stating an obligation to depart in the near future, often because of a prior commitment or a scheduled event.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to inform someone that you must exit a location shortly—at the end of a meeting, before catching a train, or when you have another appointment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devoandareviatrapoco
Devo (dovere)
Present indicative of the modal verb 'dovere', used to express an obligation or necessity.
andare (infinitive)
The infinitive form of the verb 'to go', following a modal verb.
via (adverb)
Adverb meaning 'away' or 'out', often paired with 'andare' to indicate leaving a place.
tra poco
An idiomatic expression meaning 'in a short time' or 'soon'.
🗨In Conversation
Devo andare via tra poco.
I have to leave soon.
Va bene, ci vediamo domani.
Alright, see you tomorrow.
✕Common Mistakes
Devo andare via presto.
'Presto' can mean 'early' and is less idiomatic for 'soon' in this construction.
Devo andare via in poco.
The preposition 'in' does not collocate with 'poco' in this expression.
Devo andare via poco.
Missing the particle 'tra' which is required for the idiom.
↔Alternatives
Devo partire tra poco.
I have to depart soon.
Devo uscire tra poco.
I have to go out soon.
Mi devo andare tra poco.
I must go soon.
Cultural Tip
In everyday Italian, 'andare via' is the go‑to phrase for leaving a room, a café, or a social gathering. For longer trips you’ll hear 'partire'. 'Tra poco' is informal but very common; in formal contexts you might use 'a breve'. Remember that Italians often soften obligations with a smile or a brief explanation, e.g., 'Devo andare via tra poco, ho un appuntamento.'