¡Hola! If you are looking to learn how to say “they went” in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to express “they went” in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll provide you with plenty of tips, examples, and regional variations, so you can confidently use this phrase in your conversations. ¡Vamos!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “They Went” in Spanish
In formal contexts, such as when speaking to elders, strangers, or in professional settings, it’s important to use a more polite form of speech. Here are some phrases you can use to say “they went” formally:
- “Ellos fueron” – This is the most straightforward way to express “they went” in Spanish. The verb “fueron” is the past tense of the verb “ir” (to go), and “ellos” means “they.” For example: “Ellos fueron al cine” (They went to the cinema).
- “Se fueron” – This phrase can also be used in formal situations to indicate that “they left.” This expression includes the reflexive pronoun “se” and the past tense of the verb “ir.” For instance: “Se fueron de la reunión temprano” (They left the meeting early).
- “Partieron” – In specific formal contexts, such as discussing departures or journeys, you can use this word to say “they went.” It conveys the sense of departing or setting off. For example: “Partieron hacia la ciudad mañana” (They will leave for the city tomorrow).
Informal Ways to Say “They Went” in Spanish
In more casual or friendly conversations, you have various ways to express “they went” informally. Let’s take a look at some popular options:
- “Ellos se fueron” – This phrase, which includes the reflexive pronoun “se,” is a common way to say “they went” in casual speech. For instance: “Ellos se fueron de fiesta” (They went partying).
- “Se fueron” – Just like in the formal context, omitting the pronoun “ellos” and using “se fueron” alone is also acceptable in informal conversations. For example: “Se fueron de viaje” (They went on a trip).
- “Se marcharon” – This phrase is more common in certain dialects and regions to express that “they left” or “they went away.” For instance: “Se marcharon de la playa temprano” (They left the beach early).
- “Se fueron para” – In some Hispanic American countries, it’s common to add “para” followed by a location to express where “they went.” For example: “Se fueron para casa” (They went home). This variation adds a touch of regionalism to the phrase.
Examples and Usage Tips
Now that we have covered both formal and informal ways to say “they went” in Spanish, let’s dive into some examples and useful tips:
- Tip 1: When using the past tense, remember to use the appropriate verb form. “Fueron” is the past tense of “ir,” which means “to go,” so it should be used in most cases.
- Tip 2: Adding a specific location after the phrase can clarify where “they went,” such as “Ellos fueron al parque” (They went to the park).
- Tip 3: To emphasize the action of going, you can use adverbs like “rápidamente” (quickly), “despacio” (slowly), or “directamente” (directly). For example: “Ellos fueron rápidamente al supermercado” (They quickly went to the supermarket).
Regional Variation: In some regions of Spain, instead of saying “Ellos fueron,” people often use “Ellos se fueron” or “Se fueron.” This slight variation adds the reflexive pronoun and emphasizes the act of leaving.
Remember that verb conjugations can vary depending on the tense and subject pronoun. It’s important to study and practice verb conjugations in order to communicate effectively in Spanish.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “they went” in Spanish. Whether you need to use the formal or informal form, or if you want to add a regional touch to your phrase, you are well-equipped to navigate various conversations smoothly. Don’t forget to practice these expressions in context to reinforce your knowledge, and soon you’ll be speaking Spanish confidently. ¡Mucho éxito!
