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PhrasesCancelling PlansDevo portare i bambini da qualche parte.
B1informal

Devo portare i bambini da qualche parte.

I have to take the kids somewhere.

Pronunciation

'Qualche parte' — QUAL-ke PAR-te. 'Qualche' always pairs with a singular noun despite vague plural meaning.

When to use it

Use among parents when childcare conflicts with plans. In Italy, this is an immediately understood and respected reason — children's needs override social plans without question.

What it means

'Portare i bambini' means 'to take the children'. 'Da qualche parte' means 'somewhere' and adds appropriate vagueness. Parents in Italy are expected to prioritise children, and this phrase requires no further explanation.

Variations

Mia figlia ha la recita scolastica.

My daughter has a school play.

Specific — school events are sacred commitments in Italian family culture

Devo andare a prendere i bambini.

I have to go pick up the kids.

School pick-up is a sacred Italian daily ritual — never questioned

Il bambino non sta bene, non posso lasciarlo.

The child isn't well, I can't leave him.

Sick child = unquestionable cancellation in any Italian social context

Mini Dialogue

— Vieni al mercato con me? — Oggi non posso, devo portare i bambini a calcio. — Ah, capisco! Quanto è cresciuto tuo figlio! — Eh, già! La prossima settimana, promesso.

— Are you coming to the market with me? — Today I can't, I have to take the kids to football. — Ah, I understand! How much your son has grown! — Yes indeed! Next week, I promise.

Cultural Note

Children's extracurricular activities (calcio, danza, nuoto) are serious family commitments in Italy. Missing them is unthinkable — parents rearrange everything around them.