Spanish Phrase
Tengo que irme ya.
Meaning
The speaker is stating that they must leave right this moment. It conveys a sense of urgency and is often used when the speaker needs to excuse themselves quickly.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to end a conversation, leave a meeting, or depart from a social setting and want to stress that you cannot stay any longer. It works in both informal and semi‑formal contexts, but the tone can feel a bit abrupt if not softened with a polite goodbye.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengoqueirmeya
tener que + infinitive
The construction 'tener que' followed by an infinitive expresses obligation or necessity, similar to 'have to' in English.
reflexive infinitive (irme)
When the verb that follows is reflexive, the pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os) attaches to the infinitive: ir + me → irme.
ya (adverb of immediacy)
Ya can mean 'already', 'now', or 'right away' depending on context; here it stresses that the action must happen immediately.
🗨In Conversation
¿Te quedas un rato más?
Are you staying a little longer?
No, tengo que irme ya.
No, I have to go now.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo que ir ya.
Missing the reflexive pronoun; 'ir' alone means 'to go' without the sense of leaving oneself.
Tengo que irme ahora.
While 'ahora' also means 'now', using it instead of 'ya' changes the nuance; 'ya' stresses urgency.
↔Alternatives
Debo irme ahora.
I must leave now.
Tengo que marcharme ya.
I have to depart right away.
Necesito irme ya.
I need to go now.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, adding 'ya' makes the request sound urgent, which can be perceived as a bit abrupt. If you want to be softer, you can say 'Tengo que irme ahora, disculpa' or add a brief apology. Also, remember that the reflexive pronoun is mandatory; leaving it out changes the meaning entirely.