Are you planning to visit Mexico or simply interested in learning Mexican Spanish? Understanding how to say “go” is essential for basic communication. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into both formal and informal ways of expressing “go” in Mexican Spanish. While some regional variations exist, we’ll focus on the most common and widely understood terms.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Go”
If you’re speaking in a formal context or addressing someone respectfully, the following terms can be used:
- Ir – This is the most common and versatile term for “go” in Mexican Spanish. It can be used in various situations and is conjugated according to the subject. For example:
Debo irme ahora. – I should go now.
Él va a la escuela todos los días. – He goes to school every day.
¿Cuándo irás al supermercado? – When will you go to the supermarket?
Salir – This verb is used specifically for leaving a place or going out. Keep in mind that it is not as versatile as “ir.” Examples include:
Voy a salir de la casa. – I’m going out of the house.
Ella sale de la oficina a las seis. – She leaves the office at six.
Salgamos juntos. – Let’s go out together.
Partir – Although less commonly used, “partir” can be used to express “go” in certain contexts. It is often employed when talking about departing from a specific place or separating from someone or something. For instance:
El tren parte a las nueve de la noche. – The train leaves at nine in the evening.
Debes partir cuanto antes. – You should go as soon as possible.
Nuestros caminos parten aquí. – Our paths go separate ways here.
Informal Ways to Say “Go”
When speaking in a casual or informal setting, you can use the following terms to express “go” more colloquially:
- Irse – This verb is the informal version of “ir” and is frequently used in everyday conversations. Examples include:
Me voy a casa. – I’m going home.
Vete, no me interesa. – Go away, I’m not interested.
Vámonos de aquí. – Let’s get out of here.
Pedir el chicle – Although this phrase literally means “ask for the gum,” it is a common slang expression used by Mexican teenagers to say “go.” Keep in mind that it may sound outdated or unfamiliar to older generations or people from different regions.
Oye, pide el chicle para que no escuchen. – Hey, go get the gum so they won’t hear us.
¡Pide el chicle, vamos a llegar tarde! – Go get the gum, we’re going to be late!
Regional Variations and Local Expressions
While these formal and informal terms are commonly understood throughout Mexico, there may still be some local expressions or regional variations. Let’s look at a few:
- Apurar – This verb, primarily used in Mexico City, is often employed to mean “to go quickly” or “to hurry up.” Examples include:
Apurémonos o llegaremos tarde. – Let’s go quickly, or we’ll be late.
Nos vemos, me apuro. – Goodbye, I’m in a hurry.
Norteño Expressions – In northern states such as Nuevo León and Chihuahua, the regional expressions “echarse un coyotito” or “ponerse las pilas” may be used instead of “ir” or “irse.”
Echémonos un coyotito a la plaza. – Let’s go to the square.
Ponte las pilas y ve por los refrescos. – Get going and go get the sodas.
Remember, while these regional variations can add flair to your language skills, they may not be universally understood. It’s always a good idea to stick to more common and widely recognized expressions when communicating in Mexican Spanish.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned the formal and informal ways to say “go” in Mexican Spanish. Remember to use “ir” in formal situations, “irse” in informal settings, and “salir” when leaving a place. Keep in mind the regional variations, such as “apurar” in Mexico City and “echarse un coyotito” in northern states. Practice using these expressions in conversations with native speakers to become even more fluent.
Now that you have a solid understanding of how to say “go” in Mexican Spanish, you’ll feel more confident during your travels or when interacting with Spanish-speaking friends or colleagues. ¡Buena suerte y que te vaya bien!
