Italian grammar
Devo, devi, bisogna
Talk about what you have to do.
From the scene Devo andare (I have to go)
In short
Dovere plus infinitive is a personal must: devo andare. Bisogna plus infinitive is a rule for everyone.
- I have to go devo andare
- you have to work devi lavorare
- one has to pay bisogna pagare
- there's no need non serve
Your turn
Which one goes with you have to work?
Options: devo andare · bisogna pagare · devi lavorare
Show answer
you have to work → devi lavorare
How it works
Dovere + infinitive = a personal obligation: devo (I have to), devi (you have to), deve (he / she has to).
Good to know
Bisogna + infinitive = a general rule for everyone (one has to). Non serve = there's no need.
I have to go devo andare
Javi
Devo andare. Devo lavorare.
I have to go. I have to work.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). Devo lavorare.
Options: Devo andare · Devi lavorare · Bisogna pagare
Show answer
Javi
Devo andare. Devo lavorare.
I have to go. I have to work.
you have to work devi lavorare
Nuria
Di nuovo? Devi lavorare così tanto?
Again? Do you have to work so much?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Di nuovo? (blank) così tanto?
Options: Bisogna pagare · Devi lavorare · Devo andare
Show answer
Nuria
Di nuovo? Devi lavorare così tanto?
Again? Do you have to work so much?
one has to pay bisogna pagare
Javi
Bisogna pagare l'affitto, Nuria.
The rent has to be paid, Nuria.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) l'affitto, Nuria.
Options: Devi lavorare · Bisogna pagare · Devo andare
Show answer
Javi
Bisogna pagare l'affitto, Nuria.
The rent has to be paid, Nuria.
there's no need non serve
Javi
Grazie, ma non serve.
Thanks, but there's no need.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Grazie, ma (blank).
Options: devo andare · devi lavorare · non serve
Show answer
Javi
Grazie, ma non serve.
Thanks, but there's no need.
Watch out
Bisogna never changes and takes no "di" (bisogna pagare, not "bisogna di pagare").
Common mistake
Not Bisogno or Bisogna di here. A rule for everyone.
Bisogna pagare l'affitto, Nuria.
The rent has to be paid, Nuria.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| I have to go | devo andare |
|---|---|
| you have to work | devi lavorare |
| one has to pay | bisogna pagare |
| there's no need | non serve |
More lines from the story
- NuriaNon serve... ma vengo con te comunque.It's not necessary... but I'm coming with you anyway.
- JaviRiposati. Bisogna anche dormire, no?Rest. One has to sleep too, right?