ir
/ˈiɾ/
In Spanish, ir means to move from one place to another.
ir is used to express movement toward a destination or to indicate the near future when used in the construction ir a + [infinitive] (to be going to).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the form Vosotros vais is used to say 'you go' to a plural, informal group. In Latin America, the form Ustedes van is used for the same purpose.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ir is highly irregular in the present indicative tense, with forms such as voy, vas, va, vamos, vais, van. To describe habitual or ongoing actions in the past, use the imperfect tense forms: iba, ibas, iba, íbamos, ibais, iban.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈiɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you want to express movement toward a destination, you must follow ir with the preposition a (for example, Voy a la tienda).
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb ir is a 'chimera' of three different Latin verbs: īre (to go), vādere (to go/proceed), and esse (to be).
- The form fui is a linguistic double agent that serves as both 'I went' and 'I was'. Because it is shared with the verb ser, the meaning depends entirely on the rest of the sentence.
- Spanish describes the passage of time using ir, as seen in the phrase el tiempo se va (time goes away). This treats time not as a clock, but as a physical entity departing on a journey.
Examples in context
- Usted va a la reunión mañana.You are going to the meeting tomorrow.
- ¿Ustedes van a salir a cenar esta noche?Are you all going out to dinner tonight?
- Tú vas a la tienda a comprar pan.You are going to the store to buy bread.
- Vosotros vais al cine esta tarde.You all are going to the movies this afternoon.
- Ustedes van de vacaciones la próxima semana.You all are going on vacation next week.
- Mañana voy a la playa con mis amigos.Tomorrow, I'm going to the beach with my friends.
- Nosotros vamos a estudiar para el examen.We are going to study for the exam.
- Quiero ir al cine mañana.I want to go to the cinema tomorrow.
- ¿A dónde quieres ir?Where do you want to go?
- Vamos a ir a la playa.We are going to go to the beach.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding on a plan for the afternoon.
- Elena¿Quieres ir a comer algo?Do you want to go eat something?
- JavierSí, me gustaría ir a un restaurante italiano.Yes, I would like to go to an Italian restaurant.
- ElenaPerfecto, Javier, vamos ahora.Perfect, Javier, let's go now.
- JavierEstá bien, Elena, yo conduzco.Alright, Elena, I will drive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
