Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vamos | /ˈbamos/ | |
| hala | /ˈala/ | |
| ánimo | /ˈanimo/ | |
| ándale | /ˈandale/ | |
| anda | /ˈanda/ | |
| venga | /ˈbenɡa/ | Spain |
Vamos is a general expression used to encourage someone to act or move. Hala functions as an interjection to cheer someone on, similar to saying "go!" Ándale is used to urge someone to take action or to express enthusiasm. Anda is used to tell someone to hurry or to start an action. Venga can be used to nudge someone to do something or to express disbelief.
What does it mean word for word?
vamos is the first-person plural present indicative of the verb ir (to go), literally meaning "we go" or "let's go".
Which one should you use?
While vamos is used to urge someone to take action or move forward, ánimo is used specifically to provide emotional encouragement or to tell someone to "keep their chin up".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, venga is a very common way to say "come on" and you may also hear the expression vamos, hombre among friends. In Mexico, ándale is a common expression used to encourage someone or to express agreement and enthusiasm.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
anda is the imperative command form of the verb andar (to walk/go), used informally to urge someone to hurry.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbamos/
When do people say it?
In a sporting context, speakers often use the interjection hala to cheer someone on, much like saying "go!"
Did you know?
- The word vamos replaced the Old Spanish word imos over time. While imos was the original indicative form, the subjunctive form vādāmus from Latin eventually took its place.
- In Spain, venga is frequently used as a way to signal the end of a phone call or a conversation, functioning like a verbal 'goodbye' or 'okay then'.
- The term hala is famously used in the anthem and cheers of Real Madrid, one of the world's most famous football clubs, as a way to say 'go' or 'forward'.
Examples in context
- Venga, dame un beso.Come on, give me a kiss.This example shows how to use venga to coax someone.Tatoeba #7979740 by Seael, translation #2718088 by Hybrid
- Vamos, no seas tonto.Come on, don't be silly.This example demonstrates the use of vamos to tell someone not to be silly.Tatoeba #531748 by Shishir, translation #282403 by al_ex_an_der
- Vamos, todo irá bien.Come on, everything will be all right.This example uses vamos to provide reassurance that things will be fine.Tatoeba #683372 by Shishir, translation #1395398 by marcelostockle
- Dale, solo falta un poco más.Come on, you're almost there.
- Ándale, no tienes mucho tiempo.Go for it, you don't have much time.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía is trying to motivate Javier to finish a race.
- Elena¡Vamos, Javier, casi llegas!Come on, Javier, you're almost there!
- AlejandroNo puedo más, Sofía.I can't do it anymore, Sofía.
- Elena¡Vamos, solo un poco más!Come on, just a little more!
- AlejandroEstá bien, lo intentaré.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “come on” translations and entries vamos, hala, ánimo, ándale, anda, venga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hala, vamos, ánimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
