Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vas-y | /va.z‿i/ /vɑ.z‿i/ |
informal |
| allez-y | /a.le.z‿i/ | formal |
These phrases are used as an imperative to grant permission to someone. Depending on the context, you might also use Continuez to mean 'continue' or Passez devant, which specifically instructs someone to pass in front of you. In very informal situations, people often use C'est bon to mean 'go ahead' or 'that's fine'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vas-y is composed of the verb aller (to go) and the adverbial pronoun y (there), literally meaning 'go there'.
Which one should you use?
Use vas-y when speaking to a single person you know well. Use allez-y when addressing a single person formally or when speaking to multiple people.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Vas-y is the informal version, while allez-y is the formal version.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Quebec, Canada, the informal expression vas-y donc can be used to mean 'go ahead'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Vas-y uses the singular 'tu' imperative, which is used with friends, family or peers. Allez-y uses the plural or formal 'vous' imperative, which is used with strangers, superiors or groups.
How do you pronounce it?
/va.z‿i/
Did you know?
- The verb aller usually does not take an 's' in the singular imperative, but it is added to vas-y specifically to make the pronunciation easier.
- Depending on the tone, vas-y can be used sarcastically to mean 'go on then' or 'do it if you dare' when you actually think the other person is making a mistake.
- In Quebec, adding donc to create vas-y donc doesn't change the meaning to 'therefore', but instead adds a layer of insistence or impatience.
Examples in context
- Vas-y et prends en un !Go ahead and take one.This sentence shows how to use vas-y to grant permission to take something.Tatoeba #2069556 by sacredceltic, translation #1904283 by CK
- Allez-y, je vous écoute.Go ahead. I'm listening.This sentence shows how to use allez-y to signal that you are listening.Tatoeba #5667767 by Micsmithel, translation #5667721 by Hybrid
- Vas-y, essaye maintenant !Go ahead, try it now.This sentence shows how to use vas-y to encourage someone to try something.Tatoeba #3640282 by sacredceltic, translation #3636245 by CK
- Jean, vous pouvez y aller maintenant.Jean, you may go ahead now.
- Pardon, madame, vous pouvez passer devant.Excuse me, madam, you may go ahead.
- Paul, vas-y, je te rejoins plus tard.Paul, go ahead, I'll join you later.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are deciding who speaks first during a discussion.
- ManonTu veux dire quelque chose ?Do you want to say something?
- GabrielOui, je peux parler ?Yes, can I speak?
- ManonOui, vas-y !Yes, go ahead!
- GabrielMerci, Manon.Thanks, Manon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go ahead” translations and entries vas-y, allez-y, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
