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Italian Phrase

Devo prima dare un'occhiata al calendario.

/ˈde.vo ˈpri.ma ˈda.re un.oˈkja.ta al kal.enˈda.rjo/
Meaning"I have to take a look at the calendar first."
💡

Meaning

I need to take a look at the calendar first. The speaker is indicating that checking the schedule is a prerequisite before proceeding with another action.

🎯

When to use

Use this sentence when you want to verify dates, appointments, or availability before committing to a plan—e.g., before agreeing to a meeting, a social outing, or a work deadline.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Devoprimadareun'occhiataalcalendario

1

Modal verb 'dovere'

'Devo' is the first‑person singular present of 'dovere', used to express personal obligation or necessity.

2

Adverb 'prima'

'Prima' means 'first' or 'before' and is placed before the infinitive to indicate the order of actions.

3

Idiomatic expression 'dare un'occhiata'

Literally 'to give a look', this phrase is the common way to say 'to take a quick look' in Italian.

4

Elision in 'un'occhiata'

The article 'una' elides before a vowel, becoming 'un''; write it as 'un'occhiata' with an apostrophe.

5

Preposition contraction 'al'

'Al' = 'a' + 'il', used because the verb phrase 'dare un'occhiata a' requires the preposition 'a' before the noun.

6

Noun gender 'calendario'

'Calendario' is a masculine singular noun, so the definite article is 'il' (contracted to 'al' after 'a').

🗨In Conversation

A

Possiamo andare al cinema stasera?

Can we go to the cinema tonight?

Devo prima dare un'occhiata al calendario.

I need to check the calendar first.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Devo prima dare una occhiata al calendario.

    The article must elide before a vowel: use 'un'occhiata', not 'una occhiata'.

  • Devo prima guardare il calendario.

    'Guardare' is understandable but less idiomatic; native speakers prefer 'dare un'occhiata' or 'controllare'.

  • Prima devo dare un'occhiata al calendario.

    While grammatically correct, the most natural order places 'prima' right after the modal verb: 'Devo prima...'.

  • Devo prima dare un'occhiata calendario.

    If you omit the preposition, the phrase becomes ungrammatical because 'dare un'occhiata' requires 'a' + noun.

↔Alternatives

  • Devo prima controllare il calendario.

    I need to check the calendar first.

  • Prima devo vedere il calendario.

    First I have to see the calendar.

  • Devo dare un'occhiata al calendario prima.

    I must look at the calendar first.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy, checking the calendar (or 'agenda') before making plans is considered polite and organized. 'Dare un'occhiata' is informal but perfectly natural in everyday conversation; in more formal contexts you might hear 'consultare il calendario' or 'verificare la programmazione'.