ir tirando
/iɾ tiɾando/from spelling rules
The English phrase "going it" is expressed in Spanish as ir tirando.
ir tirando is used to describe the act of managing to survive or get by, even when one has very little money or is facing difficult circumstances.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ir tirando is colloquial and is typically used in casual conversation rather than in formal writing or professional settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on who you are talking about. When answering a question about your own current state, conjugate the verb ir to the first person singular to say voy tirando (I'm getting by). To say that a group or a family is managing, use the first person plural: vamos tirando (we're getting by).
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ tiɾando/
Did you know?
- The use of tirar in this phrase evokes the image of a person 'tugging' or 'pulling' themselves along through life, much like someone pulling a heavy weight through difficult terrain.
- The phrase ir tirando captures a concept known as resignación, a cultural value in some Spanish-speaking societies where one accepts a difficult fate with quiet dignity.
- In some contexts, ir tirando can be used ironically by someone who is actually doing very well to avoid sounding boastful or attracting envy.
Examples in context
- Estaré yendo a una reunión importante mañana.I will be going to an important meeting tomorrow.
- Me estaré yendo dentro de unos minutos.I will be leaving in a few minutes.
- Voy a irme de vacaciones la próxima semana.I'm going on vacation next week.
- Me voy a casa, nos vemos mañana.I'm going home, see you tomorrow.
- Me largo de aquí, este lugar no me gusta.I'm getting out of here, I don't like this place.
- No es fácil, pero prefiero ir tirando solo.It is not easy, but I prefer to just get by on my own.
- Con la crisis, solo nos queda ir tirando.With the crisis, all we can do is just get by.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ir tirando, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
