ya voy
/ʝa boi/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I am coming" is ya voy.
ya voy is used to tell someone that you are on your way to where they are. You might use this phrase when someone calls you or asks where you are, to signal that you are starting your movement or are currently in the process of traveling to them.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "already I go".
Which one should you use?
While English uses the verb "to come" to indicate movement toward a listener, Spanish uses the verb ir (to go) because the speaker is moving away from their current location toward the destination.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, you may hear the informal expression Ya estoy yendo para allá to mean "I am already headed there."
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use ya vengo (literally "I already come") to mean "I am on my way," but ya voy is the standard way to express this.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying ya voy can sometimes be a polite way to buy a few extra minutes, even if you haven't actually left your house yet.
- The verb in ya voy actually comes from the Latin vadere, which is the same root found in the English word 'evade'.
- While ya voy means you are heading toward someone, saying ya vengo usually means you are leaving for a brief moment and intend to return quickly, like stepping out of a room.
Examples in context
- Ya voy.I am coming.This sentence shows the use of ya voy.Tatoeba #337105 by kylecito, translation #65918 by CK
- Estoy llegando a la reunión.I am coming to the meeting.
- Me estoy acercando al lugar de la cita.I am coming closer to the meeting place.
- Voy para allá en un momento.I am coming over there in a moment.
- Estoy en camino, demoraré unos minutos.I am on my way, I will be a few minutes.
- Estoy llegando a la conferencia.I am coming to the conference.
- Estoy llegando a la estación del tren.I am coming to the train station.
- No te preocupes, ya voy para allá.Don't worry, I am coming there now.
Example conversation
Daniel is calling Lucía because she is late for their meeting.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿dónde estás? Te estamos esperando.Daniel, where are you? We are waiting for you.
- DanielLo siento, Lucía, ya voy.I'm sorry, Lucía, I am coming.
- LucíaEstá bien, pero no tardes mucho.It is okay, but don't be too long.
- DanielSí, llego en cinco minutos.Yes, I will arrive in five minutes.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries voy, ya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
