Italian Phrase
Devo scendere qui.
Meaning
Literally ‘I must get off here.’ It is used when the speaker needs to alight from a vehicle or step down at the current spot. The phrase conveys a personal necessity rather than a suggestion.
When to use
Use this sentence on buses, trams, metros, elevators, or even stairs when you need to tell a driver, conductor, or companion that you will exit at the present location.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Devoscenderequi.
Dovere (modal verb)
Dovere expresses obligation. In the present tense, it conjugates as devo, devi, deve, dobbiamo, dovete, devono and is followed by an infinitive.
Infinitive after modal
When a modal verb (dovere, potere, volere) is used, the main verb stays in its infinitive form (scendere).
Scendere (verb)
Scendere means ‘to go down, to get off, to descend’. It is a regular -ere verb.
Adverb placement
Adverbs of place (qui, lì, là) normally follow the verb phrase, but they can also appear at the beginning for emphasis.
🗨In Conversation
Scendiamo qui?
Are we getting off here?
Sì, devo scendere qui.
Yes, I have to get off here.
✕Common Mistakes
Devo scendere a qui.
The preposition ‘a’ is not used with ‘qui’; you simply say ‘qui’ or ‘a questa fermata’.
Scendo qui.
Using the present indicative ‘scendo’ changes the meaning to ‘I get off here (habitually)’ rather than expressing obligation.
Devo scendere qui.
When asking a question, the intonation changes; you should use a question mark and possibly invert the order: ‘Devo scendere qui?’ or add ‘Scendo qui?’
↔Alternatives
Devo scendere a questa fermata.
I have to get off at this stop.
Mi devo alzare qui.
I need to get up here.
Scendo qui.
I’m getting off here.
Cultural Tip
In Italy it’s polite to say “Scusi, devo scendere qui” when you need to alert the driver or conductor. On crowded public transport, a quick “Scendo qui” is common, but adding “Scusi” shows respect, especially with older passengers or in formal settings.