ir
/ˈi(ʁ)/
The Portuguese verb for 'to go' is ir.
ir is the most common and universal way to express the concept of 'go' in Portuguese. It is used to describe moving through space from one place to another. Additionally, ir can function as an auxiliary verb to express the near future, similar to the English construction 'to be going to [do something]'.
Meaning: to move through space (especially from one place to another) (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ir is the standard, the verb partir is often used in more formal contexts or when specifically referring to the act of departing or leaving a place.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the verb pegar is frequently used to mean 'go get' or 'fetch'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form ir is typically used after most other verbs to express purpose or when following a preposition. To express the perfect past tense, use the forms fui, foste, foi, fomos, fostes or foram depending on the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈi(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- The Portuguese verb ir is a linguistic mosaic. Its forms are built from three different Latin verbs: īre for 'go' and 'walk', vādere for 'advance' and esse for 'be'.
- Because ir shares its past tense forms with the verb ser ('to be'), the sentence Eu fui can mean either 'I went' or 'I was'.
- While ir is universal, the verb partir is used for 'departing', which can also mean 'to break' in Portuguese.
Examples in context
- Eu o fiz ir.I made him go.This sentence shows the use of ir after another verb.Tatoeba #411480 by brauliobezerra, translation #260987 by CK
- É hora de ir.It is time to go.This sentence shows the infinitive ir used to indicate it is time for an action.Tatoeba #1298588 by alexmarcelo, translation #1871929 by AsliAbbasi
- Tom tem de ir.Tom has to go.This sentence shows the use of ir to express necessity.Tatoeba #4945480 by ajdavidl, translation #2649188 by CK
- Eu vou para a escola.I'm going to school.
- Vou partir amanhã.I'm leaving tomorrow.
- Vou dirigir-me ao escritório.I'm going to the office.
- Eu vou pegar meu livro.I'm going to get my book.
- 3175 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Juliana are deciding when to leave for a party.
- LucasPrecisamos ir agora.We need to go now.
- JulianaEu ainda não estou pronta.I am not ready yet.
- LucasVamos ir rápido, então.Let's go quickly, then.
- JulianaTudo bem, vamos ir.Alright, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go” translations and entries ir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
