vamos
/ˈbamos/
vamos is the Spanish way to say "Let's go!"
vamos is a standard way to say "Let's go!" It can also be used as an exclamation to express excitement, urgency or to encourage someone, functioning much like the English "Come on!"
What does it mean word for word?
The word vamos is the first-person plural present indicative form of the verb ir (to go), and it literally means "we go".
Which one should you use?
While vamos can suggest a group movement (meaning "let's go"), when used as an exclamation, it often functions as a way to motivate someone else, similar to the English "Come on!"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, it is common to say vamo' instead of vamos by dropping the final -s. In Mexico, ándale is an informal alternative to vamos that can mean "let's go" or "get moving."
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbamos/
Did you know?
- The spelling of vamos is derived from the Latin verb vādāmus, which originally meant 'to go' or 'to proceed'.
- In some contexts, vamos is used to introduce a point of agreement, acting as a bridge like 'let's say' or 'basically'.
- Depending on the tone, ¡Vamos! can be used as a sharp reprimand to tell someone they are being ridiculous.
Examples in context
- Vamos al cine esta noche.Let's go to the cinema tonight.
- Sale el tren en 10 minutos, nos vamos.The train leaves in 10 minutes, let's go.
- Ándale, vamos a llegar tarde.Come on, let's go, we're going to be late.
- ¡Vamos, tú puedes hacerlo!Come on, you can do it!
- ¡Vamos, que se nos hace tarde!Hurry up, we're getting late!
- ¡Vamos, que ganamos el partido!Come on, we're going to win the game!
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are about to enter a competition.
- LucíaEstamos listos, ¡vamos!We are ready, let's go!
- AlejandroTengo un poco de miedo, Lucía.I'm a little scared, Lucía.
- Lucía¡Vamos, Alejandro! Tú puedes hacerlo.Come on, Alejandro! You can do it.
- AlejandroTienes razón, vamos con todo.You're right, let's give it our all.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vamos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vamos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
