venga, vamos
/ˈbenɡa ˈbamos/word by word
The English phrase "come on, let's go" is translated into Spanish as venga, vamos.
This phrase is an encouraging expression used to urge someone to start moving or to leave a place. In many contexts, speakers will simply use ¡Vamos! to express both the command "let's go" and the encouragement "come on".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of venir (to come) and the first-person plural present indicative of ir (to go), literally meaning "come, let's go".
Which one should you use?
While venga, vamos is the default, you may encounter other forms: ¡Vámonos! specifically means "Let's go!" and Vamos, ¡dale! is an informal way to say "Come on, let's go!"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase ¡Anda, vámonos! is often used to say "Come on, let's go!"
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbenɡa ˈbamos/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if someone says ¡Dale! as an encouragement to 'come on', they are literally telling you to 'give it'.
- In Spain, you might hear someone say ¡Anda! to mean 'come on', which is actually the imperative form of the verb 'to walk'.
- In sports and high-energy situations, ¡Vamos! is often used as a shout of triumph or celebration, similar to 'Yes!' or 'Come on!' in English, even when no one is moving.
Examples in context
- Vamos, vamos al mercado. Hay frutas deliciosas que debes probar.Come on, let's go to the market. There are delicious fruits you should try.
- ¡Venga, vamos! Que se nos hace tarde.Come on, let's go! We're going to be late.
- Venga, vamos, que llegamos tarde.Come on, let's go, we're going to be late.
- Venga, vamos, que se hace tarde.Come on, let's go, it's getting late.
Example conversation
Mateo is trying to get Elena to leave the house to catch a bus.
- MateoVenga, vamos, Elena, el autobús llega pronto.Come on, let's go, Elena, the bus is arriving soon.
- ElenaYa voy, solo busco mis llaves.I'm coming, I'm just looking for my keys.
- MateoDate prisa, por favor.Hurry up, please.
- Elena¡Listo! Ya podemos irnos.Ready! Now we can go.
