Expressing Necessity with 'Dovere'
In Italian, the modal verb dovere means 'must', 'to have to', or 'to owe'. When shopping, it is essential for talking about what you need to buy or trying on clothes!
Conjugation of 'Dovere'
| Pronoun | Verb Form |
|---|---|
| Io | devo |
| Tu | devi |
| Lui / Lei | deve |
| Noi | dobbiamo |
| Voi | dovete |
| Loro | devono |
How to Use It
Put dovere in its conjugated form, followed by another verb in the infinitive (ending in -are, -ere, or -ire).
- Devo comprare una giacca. (I have to buy a jacket.)
- Devi pagare adesso. (You have to pay now.)
Common Mistakes
Remember that the main verb following 'dovere' stays in its full infinitive form. Do not conjugate both verbs!
Words
dovere
to have to / must
Devo comprare una gonna.I have to buy a skirt.
comprare
to buy
Voglio comprare le scarpe.I want to buy the shoes.
pagare
to pay
Devo pagare alla cassa.I have to pay at the register.
provare
to try on
Devo provare questa maglia.I have to try on this shirt.
cercare
to look for
Devo cercare una taglia grande.I have to look for a large size.
la giacca
the jacket
Questa giacca è bella.This jacket is beautiful.
la maglia
the shirt / sweater
La maglia costa poco.The shirt costs little.
la taglia
the size
Che taglia cerchi?What size are you looking for?
Lessons are prepared with the help of AI.
Patterns
Devo comprare ___
I have to buy ___ (used when shopping for specific items)
Devo comprare una giacca nuova.I have to buy a new jacket.
Devi provare ___
You have to try on ___ (used by shop assistants or friends)
Devi provare questa taglia.You have to try on this size.