Expressing Obligation in Italian: Navigating Dovere, Bisogna, and More

Understanding Dovere: The Verb of Necessity

In Italian, dovere is the go-to verb when expressing necessity or obligation. It's often translated as "must" or "have to" in English. Let's explore how to effectively use dovere in sentences.

Conjugating Dovere in the Present Tense

• Io devo - I must
• Tu devi - You must
• Lui/Lei deve - He/She must
• Noi dobbiamo - We must
• Voi dovete - You (plural) must
• Loro devono - They must

Using Dovere in Sentences

Exploring Bisogna: Impersonal Obligation

Another way to express obligation is through the impersonal verb bisogna. Unlike dovere, bisogna does not change form and is always followed by an infinitive verb.

When to Use Bisogna vs Dovere

Bisogna is often used for general statements where the subject is not specific, while dovere attaches itself to a specific person or group. Consider the situation and the level of specificity needed when choosing between these two expressions.

Other Expressions of Obligation in Italian

Apart from dovere and bisogna, there are other expressions in Italian that hint at obligations or necessity, though they may not be as commonly used in everyday conversation.

Expressions Involving Necessity

• È necessario - It is necessary
• Occorre - It takes/is required
• Si deve - One must (formal)