ya vamos
/ʝa bamos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "we are coming" is translated into Spanish as ya vamos.
The phrase ya vamos is used to tell someone that you are on your way to them. It is commonly used when you are currently in the process of leaving or are already in transit to a destination to reassure someone that you are on your way. Another way to convey the idea that you are on your way is to use Estamos en camino.
What does it mean word for word?
The word vamos is the first-person plural present indicative of the verb ir (to go), which is used here to express movement toward a destination.
Which one should you use?
In English, you use the verb "to come" to indicate movement toward the listener, but in Spanish, you use the verb ir (to go) to express the same idea.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, the phrase Vamos llegando is commonly used to indicate that you are in the process of arriving. In certain South American countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay, the expression estamos por llegar is frequently used to convey the idea that you are about to arrive.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, ya vamos can be a social signal that you have not actually left your house yet, but are only just starting to get ready.
- While vamos is the present indicative form today, it actually evolved from the Latin present subjunctive form vādāmus.
Examples in context
- Estimada Sra. Hernández, le confirmamos que estamos en camino al aeropuerto y llegaremos puntualmente para la conferencia. Atentamente, [Your Name]Dear Mrs. Hernandez, we confirm to you that we are on our way to the airport and will arrive punctually for the conference. Sincerely, [Your Name]
- ¡Hola Ana! Estamos saliendo de casa, vamos para allá. Nos vemos en 30 minutos. Besos, [Your Name]Hi Ana! We are leaving the house, we are heading there. See you in 30 minutes. Kisses, [Your Name]
- ¡Chicos, ya estamos de camino al concierto de rock! ¡Prepárense para una gran noche! Abrazos, [Your Name]Guys, we are already on our way to the rock concert! Get ready for a great night! Hugs, [Your Name]
- ¡Ay, disculpa la demora! Vamos llegando al restaurante. ¿Hay algún plato que nos recomiendes? Saludos, [Your Name]Oh, sorry for the delay! We are arriving at the restaurant. Is there any dish you recommend to us? Regards, [Your Name]
- No te preocupes, ya vamos.Don't worry, we are coming.
- Estamos saliendo de la casa, ya vamos.We are leaving the house, we are coming.
- ¡Ya vamos para allá!We are coming there right now!
Example conversation
Elena is waiting for Alejandro at a cafe.
- AlejandroElena, ¿dónde estás?Elena, where are you?
- ElenaEstoy en la mesa de afuera, ¿y ustedes?I am at the outside table, and you guys?
- AlejandroEstamos cerca, ya vamos.We are close, we are coming.
- ElenaEstá bien, los espero.Okay, I'll wait for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vamos, ya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
