Iba a hacerlo
/iba a aθeɾlo/from spelling rules
The phrase "I was going to" is translated into Spanish as Iba a hacerlo.
This construction is used to express an intention that was interrupted or a plan that was ultimately not carried out.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Iba a means "I was going to" and is composed of the imperfect indicative of ir (to go) followed by the preposition a (to). In the form Iba a hacerlo, the suffix -lo in hacerlo is an object pronoun meaning "it" attached to the end of the infinitive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb iba must be followed by the preposition a before an infinitive to express intention.
How do you pronounce it?
/iba a aθeɾlo/
Did you know?
- If you wanted to say 'I was going to do it for you', the 'you' would attach to the end like a tail, becoming Iba a hacértelo.
- Adding Iba a to an excuse can act as a 'social lubricant' in Spanish-speaking cultures, helping to soften the impact of a failed task or a forgotten promise.
- While iba a expresses a past intention, the verb ir is the same root used in the English word 'itinerary', which describes the path one is going to take.
Examples in context
- Iba a hacerlo, pero no tuve tiempo.I was going to do it, but I didn't have time.
- Iba a hacerlo ahora mismo.I was going to do it right now.
- Iba a hacerlo si me lo pedías.I was going to do it if you asked me.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about a task at home.
- Sofía¿Lavaste los platos?Did you wash the dishes?
- JavierNo, iba a hacerlo más tarde.No, I was going to do it later.
- SofíaJavier, por favor, hazlo ahora.Javier, please, do it now.
- JavierEstá bien, lo haré.Okay, I will do it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
