How to Say “Go” in Spanish

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ir
/ˈiɾ/
To go is ir in Spanish.
The verb ir is used to describe moving through space, specifically from one place to another. A common way to express the near future in Spanish is to use the construction ir a followed by an infinitive, which functions like 'going to' in English.
Meaning: to move through space (especially from one place to another) (verb)

Which one should you use?

While ir is the standard verb for movement, other forms are used for specific commands. For example, Vete is a stronger, more commanding way to say 'go away' compared to more neutral forms. To specifically say 'go away' to a group of people informally, you can use Marchaos.

Related words

Board game (noun): go.

Attempt (noun): intento.

How does it change in a sentence?

The verb ir is highly irregular. In the present tense, it uses the forms voy, vas, va, vamos, vais and van. In the preterite (past) tense, it uses fui, fuiste, fue, fuimos, fuisteis and fueron. To express the imperfect (past) tense, such as 'was going', use iba, ibas, iba, íbamos, ibais and iban.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈiɾ/

What mistakes should you avoid?

Be careful not to use the verb salir (to leave or exit) when you actually mean to express moving toward a destination with ir.

Did you know?

  • The verb ir is one of the most irregular verbs in the Spanish language because it combines parts of three different Latin verbs to function as one.
  • The expression ir al grano literally means 'to go to the grain' but is used idiomatically to mean 'to get to the point'.
  • In some regions, the command andá is used to tell someone to 'go'. This is a case of suppletion where the verb ir borrows a form from andar, meaning 'to walk'.

Examples in context

  • No voy a ir.
    I won't go.
    This sentence is useful for practicing the refusal to go with ir.
    Tatoeba #2476439 by hayastan, translation #2247629 by CK
  • ¿No vas a ir?
    Won't you go?
    This sentence is useful for asking a question about going with ir.
    Tatoeba #991028 by hayastan, translation #241051 by CK
  • Él me hizo ir.
    He made me go.
    This sentence is useful for seeing how ir is used after another verb.
    Tatoeba #2343435 by marcelostockle, translation #298132 by CK
  • Vaya directamente a la sala de espera, por favor.
    Go straight to the waiting room, please.
  • Vayan al final del pasillo y doblen a la derecha.
    Go to the end of the hallway and turn right.
  • Diríjase al mostrador de información para obtener ayuda.
    Go to the information desk to get assistance.
  • Diríjanse al punto de encuentro en caso de emergencia.
    Go to the meeting point in case of emergency.
  • Ve al supermercado y compra la leche.
    Go to the supermarket and buy the milk.
  • Vete ahora mismo, no quiero verte aquí.
    Go away right now, I don't want to see you here.
  • Anda y trae el periódico, por favor.
    Go and bring the newspaper, please.
  • Vete/Váyase a casa, ya es tarde.
    Go home, it's already late.
  • 2559 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

María and Javier are talking about a party.

  1. María

    ¿Quieres ir a la fiesta conmigo?
    Do you want to go to the party with me?
  2. Javier

    Sí, me gustaría ir.
    Yes, I would like to go.
  3. María

    Tenemos que ir temprano.
    We have to go early.
  4. Javier

    Está bien, vamos a ir entonces.
    That's fine, we will go then.

Sources

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Sharon Kate
Sharon KateHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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