ir a clase
/iɾ a klase/from spelling rules
To go to class in Spanish is ir a clase.
The phrase ir a clase is used to describe the act of attending a lesson or a course of study. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, it can also be used colloquially to refer to the general routine of going to school or university.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb ir (to go), the preposition a (to) and the noun clase (class).
Which one should you use?
While ir a clase refers to the general act of attending lessons, ir a la clase (using the definite article) is used when referring specifically to a particular, previously mentioned class session. If you want to specify attending particular, pluralized classes, you use the definite article as in ir a las clases.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the singular clase to refer to the general activity of attending lessons, similar to the English expression 'go to class' rather than 'go to the class'.
Did you know?
- The verb ir is a linguistic mosaic. Its present forms like voy come from the Latin 'vādere' while its past forms like fui actually come from the Latin verb for 'to be'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, students may use the phrase faltar a clase to mean skipping a lesson. This literally translates to 'missing' or 'lacking' the class.
Examples in context
- Voy a ir a clase.I'll go to class.This sentence shows how to use ir a clase to express a future intention.Tatoeba #9998949 by Shishir, translation #10083503 by DJ_Saidez
- Quiero ir a clase.I want to go to class.This sentence demonstrates using ir a clase to express a desire.Tatoeba #4279799 by Shishir, translation #2343106 by kareybh
- Ahora mismo no puedo ir a clase.I can't go to class right now.This sentence shows how to use ir a clase to express an inability to attend at a specific time.Tatoeba #1134047 by Shishir, translation #1102796 by Myeir
- Cuando vaya a clase, por favor llegue puntualmente.When you go to class, please arrive on time.
- Los alumnos deben asistir a clase regularmente.Students must attend class regularly.
- El profesor nos indicó que nos dirigiéramos al aula.The teacher told us to go to the classroom.
- Voy a la clase de matemáticas ahora. ¿Te encuentro después?I'm going to the math class now. Shall I meet you afterwards?
- ¿Vas a clase hoy?Are you going to class today?
- Profesor Pérez, por favor, asegúrese de ir a clase puntualmente.Professor Perez, please make sure to go to class on time.
- Los estudiantes deben asistir a clase con todos los materiales necesarios.Students must attend class with all the necessary materials.
- El director nos indicó que nos dirigiéramos al aula de música.The principal told us to go to the music classroom.
- ¡Vamos, que llegamos tarde a clase!Come on, we're going to be late for class!
- ¿Vas a la clase de baile esta tarde?Are you going to the dance class this afternoon?
- Chicos, me voy a clase. Nos vemos después.Guys, I'm going to class. See you later.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are talking in the hallway before their lessons.
- María¿Tienes que ir a clase ahora?Do you have to go to class now?
- DanielSí, tengo que ir a clase de historia.Yes, I have to go to history class.
- MaríaYo también voy a ir a clase pronto.I am also going to go to class soon.
- DanielNos vemos luego, María.See you later, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, clase, ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
