allons-y
/a.lɔ̃.z‿i/
The English phrase "vamos" can be translated into French as allons-y.
allons-y is an exclamation used to encourage a group of people to start moving or to begin an action.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.lɔ̃.z‿i/
Did you know?
- English speakers often associate allons-y with the Tenth Doctor in the series 'Doctor Who', as it is his signature catchphrase when initiating a new adventure.
- The word allez is also used as an interjection to express frustration or to tell someone to 'hurry up', often sounding much more impatient than the Spanish 'vamos'.
- The particle y in allons-y refers to a place, which is why the phrase literally functions as 'let us go there'.
Examples in context
- Il est tard, allons-y !It is late, let's go!
- Le train arrive, allons-y.The train is arriving, let's go.
- On a fini, allons-y !We are finished, let's go!
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are standing in front of a cinema.
- LéaLe film commence bientôt, allons-y !The movie is starting soon, let's go!
- LucasAttends, je cherche mes clés.Wait, I am looking for my keys.
- LéaDépêche-toi, Lucas, allons-y !Hurry up, Lucas, let's go!
- LucasÇa y est, je suis prêt.There we go, I am ready.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry allons-y, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries allons-y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
