Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo me tengo que ir?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for the specific time they are required to leave. It conveys a polite request for clarification about a deadline or schedule.
When to use
Use this question when you need to know the exact moment you must depart – for example, when staying at a friend's house, leaving a meeting, or finishing a class. It works in both formal and informal settings, though you might choose a more formal alternative with 'debo' in professional contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándometengoqueir?
¿Cuándo
Interrogative adverb of time meaning 'when'. It introduces a question about timing.
me
Reflexive pronoun that indicates the action of the verb returns to the subject (me = to myself).
tengo que
Periphrastic construction of obligation. 'Tener' conjugated + 'que' + infinitive expresses 'have to / must'.
ir
Infinitive of the verb 'ir' meaning 'to go/leave'. When combined with the reflexive pronoun it becomes 'irse' (to leave).
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuándo me tengo que ir?
When do I have to leave?
Puedes quedarte hasta las ocho, pero debes irte a las nueve.
You can stay until eight, but you have to leave at nine.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuándo tengo que ir?
Missing the reflexive pronoun; without 'me' the sentence means 'I have to go' (to a place), not 'I have to leave'.
Cuando me tengo que ir?
The order is correct, but learners sometimes forget the accent on 'cuándo' which turns the word into a statement rather than a question.
¿Cuándo debo irme?
While not wrong, using 'debo' can sound more formal; beginners often mix 'tener que' and 'deber' without noticing the register difference.
↔Alternatives
¿A qué hora debo irme?
At what time should I leave?
¿A qué hora tengo que irme?
At what time do I have to leave?
¿Cuándo debo marcharme?
When should I depart?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries punctuality is valued, especially in professional or academic settings. Using 'tener que' sounds more practical, while 'deber' can feel slightly more formal or moral. Remember that the reflexive pronoun is essential when the verb 'ir' means 'to leave' (irse). In casual conversation you might also hear '¿A qué hora me voy?' which drops the periphrastic construction but keeps the same meaning.