What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive pronoun me (myself), the verb voy (I go), the preposition a (to) and the infinitive ir (to go).
Which one should you use?
While me voy a ir emphasizes the intention or the process of leaving, the shorter me voy is more commonly used in casual conversation to simply mean "I'm off" or "I'm leaving now".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Me voy a marchar is a common way to say "I am going to go". In Mexico, Colombia and Argentina, the short and informal Me voy is a common way to express the intention to go.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the reflexive form of the verb ir (to go), which is common when expressing the intention of leaving a location. You can also conjugate this phrase for other people, such as te vas a ir (you are going to go) or se va a ir (he/she is going to go).
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, saying me voy acts as a social signal that you are beginning the 'slow farewell' process, rather than an indication that you are stepping out the door immediately.
- The phrase me voy a ir contains two forms of the same verb, voy and ir, which evolved from two different Latin roots 'vadere' and 'ire'.
- While me voy a ir means 'I am going to go', using the reflexive me shifts the focus away from where you are heading and onto the act of departing the current spot.
Examples in context
- Me voy a ir en seguida.I am going to go right away.This sentence shows how to say you are leaving right away using me voy a ir.Tatoeba #2254732 by hayastan, translation #2254731 by _undertoad
- El próximo sábado, voy a ir a la conferencia de negocios.Next Saturday, I am going to go to the business conference.
- ¿Vamos al cine? Sí, voy a ir contigo.Shall we go to the movies? Yes, I am going to go with you.
- Chicos, me voy a ir a casa temprano hoy.Guys, I am going to go home early today.
- Nacho, no puedo quedarme más tiempo. Me piro, ¡nos vemos pronto!Nacho, I can't stay any longer. I am going to go, see you soon!
- Perdón por la interrupción, pero me voy a marchar.Sorry for the interruption, but I am going to go.
- Tengo que hacer algunas compras, luego me voy.I have to do some shopping, then I am going to go.
- Me voy a ir ahora.I am going to go now.
- Me voy a ir a casa.I am going to go home.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are finishing a conversation at a café.
- SofíaYa es tarde, me voy a ir.It is late, I am going to go.
- Alejandro¿Te vas ya, Sofía?Are you leaving already, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, tengo mucho trabajo.Yes, I have a lot of work.
- AlejandroEstá bien, nos vemos mañana.That is fine, see you tomorrow.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, ir, me, voy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
