what is the difference between ir and irme?

Question

What is the difference between ir and irme? I need to know when I have to use ir or irme, for exmple:

Tengo que irme, or Tengo que ir, What I have to use? and why?

Answer 1

Ir in this sense requires a destination. Irme (or its base form irse) doesn't; what's important is the fact that you are leaving. If you say "Tengo que ir," the sentence is incomplete because you didn't say where you are going. I think you can only say this if a destination has been established earlier based on context.

"Ej: Tengo que ir a casa ahora mismo, sí, tengo que ir.

"Tengo que irme" focuses on the departure, and does not require a destination (although of course you can put a destination if you want to). This is the correct sentence to say if you are just saying that you have to leave the place where you're currently at.

Answer 2

It might be a good idea to watch the video 2.2, about the informal future and ir, and video 2.5, which explains reflexive verbs. But in general ir is to go and irse is to leave. Worth also looking at the entry for ir to explain all the different ways it can be used.

See also http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/145712/verb-phrases-irirse