ve allí
/be aʝi/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'go over there' can be translated as ve allí.
This phrase is used as a command to tell someone to move to a specific location away from the speaker.
Which one should you use?
The different forms vary based on who you are talking to and the tone you wish to set. Ve allí and ve allá are used in informal contexts, while vaya allí and vaya allá are used for polite or formal situations. To address a group of people, use vayan allí. Additionally, diríjase allí is a formal expression that emphasizes the act of directing oneself toward a particular location and vete para allá is an informal way to express the command that adds an informal imperative tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ve allí uses the informal imperative of the verb ir (to go). The formal version is vaya allí, while the plural form used for commanding a group is vayan allí.
How do you pronounce it?
/be aʝi/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, using vaya (the formal form) with a close friend can be used sarcastically to create a sudden, humorous distance between speakers.
- In Spanish, there is a subtle distinction between allí and allá that English does not have, as one refers to a precise point and the other to a general direction.
- The command ve is actually a linguistic hybrid. It can be traced back to two different Latin roots: one from the verb 'videō' meaning 'to see' and another from 'vādō' meaning 'to go' or 'to proceed'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, vaya allá y entregue el informe al jefe.Please, go over there and deliver the report to the boss.
- Señorita, diríjase allí y encontrará la oficina de atención al cliente.Miss, go over there, and you will find the customer service office.
- Oye, ve allá y trae el refresco, por favor.Hey, go over there and bring the soda, please.
- ¡Amigo, vete para allá y reserva una mesa para nosotros!Friend, go over there and reserve a table for us!
- Ve allí para ver mejor.Go over there to see better.
- Si no te gusta esto, ve allí.If you don't like this, go over there.
- No te quedes aquí, ve allí.Don't stay here, go over there.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a crowded park.
- AlejandroElena, hay mucha gente aquí.Elena, there are many people here.
- ElenaTienes razón, es muy ruidoso.You are right, it is very noisy.
- AlejandroVe allí, junto a los árboles.Go over there, by the trees.
- ElenaVale, iré para allá.Okay, I will go over there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries allí, ve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
