How to say "I should get going" and "Let's catch up soon" in Italian
Learn elementary Italian phrases for ending a conversation politely, giving a reason, and suggesting you meet again later, with notes on register and regional use.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
Sometimes you do not want to say a full goodbye; you want to signal that you are about to leave the conversation. In Italian, the most useful phrase for this is "Devo andare", literally "I have to go". You can soften it with "mi dispiace" or "purtroppo", and you can add a reason such as "ho un impegno" (I have an appointment) or "è tardi" (it is late). If you want to keep the relationship open, add "ci sentiamo" (let's be in touch) or "ci vediamo presto" (see you soon). This lesson teaches these exit phrases, their polite forms, and how they differ from a final "arrivederci".
By the end, you can…
- end a conversation in Italian by saying I need to go
- give a simple reason for leaving
- suggest catching up again soon with an appropriate Italian phrase
- choose between informal and polite forms depending on who I am talking to
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Devo andare.
I have to go.
DEH-voh ahn-DAH-reh
The most common neutral way to announce that you are leaving. Use it with friends, colleagues, or shopkeepers.
Mi dispiace, ma devo proprio andare.
I'm sorry, but I really have to go.
mee dee-SPYAH-cheh mah DEH-voh PROH-pree-oh ahn-DAH-reh
Adds warmth and emphasis. "Proprio" means "really" and makes the exit sound less abrupt.
Purtroppo ho un impegno.
Unfortunately I have an appointment.
poor-TROHP-poh oh oon eem-PEH-nyoh
A useful reason. "Impegno" can mean a work commitment, a meeting, or any fixed plan.
È tardi, devo scappare.
It's late, I have to dash.
eh TAR-dee DEH-voh skahp-PAH-reh
"Scappare" literally means "to escape", but in this context it means "to rush off". Informal and friendly.
Ci sentiamo presto!
Let's be in touch soon!
chee sen-TYAH-moh PREH-stoh
A warm way to close without making a firm plan. Very common in informal and semi-formal situations.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is "Devo + infinitive" to say what you must do: "Devo andare" (I have to go), "Devo lavorare" (I have to work), "Devo tornare a casa" (I have to go back home). To make it softer, put "mi dispiace" or "purtroppo" first: "Mi dispiace, devo andare." To suggest a future contact, use "ci sentiamo" or "ci vediamo" plus a time word: "Ci sentiamo domani" (let's be in touch tomorrow), "Ci vediamo presto" (see you soon).
When to use it
Use "Devo andare" when you are still with the person and want to signal the end of the interaction. It is not the same as "arrivederci", which is a final goodbye often used when you are already leaving or ending a call. If you are talking to someone older, a teacher, or a new acquaintance, add "mi scusi" or use the polite form: "Mi scusi, devo andare." With friends, "Devo scappare" or "Ci sentiamo" is natural. In northern Italy you may hear "Ciao, ci sentiamo" on the phone; in the south, "Ci sentiamo" is also common, but "Ci vediamo" is often used for in-person plans.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Scusa, è tardi. Devo andare.
Sorry, it's late. I have to go.SKOO-zah eh TAR-dee DEH-voh ahn-DAH-rehVa bene. Ci sentiamo presto!
All right. Let's be in touch soon!vah BEH-neh chee sen-TYAH-moh PREH-stohSì, ci sentiamo domani. Ciao!
Yes, let's be in touch tomorrow. Bye!see chee sen-TYAH-moh doh-MAH-nee CHOWCiao, a presto!
Bye, see you soon!CHOW ah PREH-stohA little context goes a long way
"Ci sentiamo" is extremely common in contemporary Italian and works for phone, text, and in-person exits. It is less final than "arrivederci" and warmer than a plain "ciao". In formal contexts, prefer "Mi scusi, devo andare" and "Ci sentiamo" only if you already have a friendly relationship.
One thing to watch for
Using "Arrivederci" as soon as you want to leave the conversation, even when you are still talking.
Try this instead: Use "Devo andare" first to announce the exit, then "arrivederci" or "ciao" when you actually leave. For example: "Mi dispiace, devo andare. Arrivederci!" This keeps the exit polite and clear.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say "I have to go" in a neutral way?
Show a sample answer
Devo andare.
This is the standard phrase. You can also say "Devo proprio andare" for emphasis, but "Devo andare" is the basic form.
2What phrase means "Let's be in touch soon"?
Show a sample answer
Ci sentiamo presto.
This is the most common informal phrase. "Ci vediamo presto" is also correct if you plan to meet in person.
3How do you politely give a reason for leaving to someone you do not know well?
Show a sample answer
Mi scusi, purtroppo ho un impegno. Devo andare.
"Mi scusi" makes it polite, "purtroppo" softens the reason, and "ho un impegno" gives a clear appointment. "Devo andare" completes the exit.
Use "Devo andare" to exit a conversation politely, add a short reason, and close with "Ci sentiamo presto" if you want to keep in touch.
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