gotta
word · lemma: got to
/ˈɡɑtə/
GAH-tuh
/ɡˈɒtɐ/
got-uh
Definition
Short form of 'got to,' used informally to mean 'have to' or 'must.' It expresses necessity or obligation in spoken English.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly in informal speech and writing, especially in American English. Often appears in contractions like 'I gotta go.' Not used in formal writing. Confused learners sometimes think it is a separate verb, but it's a contraction of 'got to.'
Spanish: tener que - deberPortuguese (BR): ter que - deverPortuguese (PT): ter que - deverChinese (Simplified): 必须 - 得Chinese (Traditional): 必須 - 得Hindi: चलना होगा - करना होगाArabic: يجب أن - لابد منBengali: হতে হবে - করতে হবেRussian: должен - надоJapanese: 〜しなきゃ - 〜しなくちゃVietnamese: phảiKorean: 해야 해 - 해야 돼Turkish: zorunda olmak - mecbur olmakUrdu: کرنا ہے - چاہیےIndonesian: harus - mesti
Example Sentences
I gotta leave now to catch the bus.
basic
We gotta finish our homework before dinner.
basic
Man, I gotta tell you what happened yesterday.
natural
I gotta say, this movie is really good!
natural
You gotta stop worrying so much and enjoy life.
natural
You gotta try this cake, it’s delicious!
basic