adónde ir
/adonde iɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'where to go' is translated into Spanish as adónde ir.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of a (to), dónde (where) and ir (to go).
Which one should you use?
While adónde ir specifically implies movement toward a destination (to where), dónde ir is often used interchangeably in many contexts, though adónde is more grammatically precise for verbs of motion like ir.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition a can be written attached to donde (adónde) or as two separate words (a dónde) without changing the meaning.
Did you know?
- The verb ir is a linguistic puzzle called a suppletive verb. It uses three different Latin roots to form its basic tenses: īre for the infinitive, vādere for the present tense voy and esse for the past tense fui.
- The word ir is used in the Spanish 'periphrastic future' to express an intention to do something. By saying voy a plus another verb, the speaker indicates a definite plan to go and act.
- The distinction between dónde and adónde is disappearing in many spoken dialects. While textbooks insist on the a for destination, many native speakers use dónde for both location and direction without any loss of meaning.
Examples in context
- No sé adónde ir.I don't know where to go.This sentence is useful for expressing uncertainty about a destination using adónde ir.Tatoeba #592262 by Leono, translation #38091 by CK
- No sabía adónde ir.He did not know where to go.Tatoeba #863574 by Shishir, translation #292033 by CK
- Él me dijo adónde ir.He told me where to go.This sentence is useful for describing someone providing directions for adónde ir.Tatoeba #1250904 by Shishir, translation #292030 by CH
- Perdón, ¿dónde puedo ir para visitar el Museo del Prado?Excuse me, where can I go to visit the Prado Museum?
- Disculpe, ¿me podría indicar cómo llegar al Parque Nacional de Yosemite?Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to Yosemite National Park?
- Amigo, ¿dónde puedo ir para disfrutar de una auténtica paella?Friend, where can I go to enjoy an authentic paella?
- ¿Dónde puedo ir para encontrar la estatua del ángel?Where can I go to find the angel statue?
- ¿Cómo llego a la calle Juárez?How do I get to Juarez Street?
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are looking at a map in a new city.
- Lucía¿Tienes una idea de adónde ir?Do you have an idea of where to go?
- DanielNo estoy seguro de adónde ir ahora.I am not sure where to go right now.
- LucíaPodemos buscar un restaurante en internet.We can look for a restaurant online.
- DanielEs una buena idea, Lucía.That is a good idea, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adónde, ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
