The Verb Ir (To Go)
The verb ir means “to go,” and it’s one of the most essential verbs in Spanish. Because it is irregular, it doesn’t follow standard conjugation patterns and must be memorized. Despite this, ir is short, common, and incredibly useful for everyday communication, helping speakers talk about movement, plans, destinations, and future actions.
1. The Forms of “Ir”
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation | English Meaning |
| yo | voy | I go / I’m going |
| tú | vas | you go / you’re going (informal) |
| él / ella / usted | va | he/she/you (formal) goes / is going |
| nosotros / nosotras | vamos | we go / we’re going |
| vosotros / vosotras | vais | you all go (Spain, informal) |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | van | they / you all go |
Examples:
- Yo voy al parque. → I go to the park.
- Tú vas a la escuela. → You go to school.
- Él va al cine. → He goes to the movies.
- Nosotros vamos al museo. → We’re going to the museum.
- Ellos van de vacaciones. → They’re going on vacation.
2. The Basic Pattern: Ir + a + Place
To say where someone is going, use the structure:
ir + a + (place)
Examples:
- Voy a la escuela. → I’m going to school.
- Vas al supermercado. → You’re going to the supermarket.
- Ella va a la biblioteca. → She’s going to the library.
- Vamos a casa. → We’re going home.
Note:
When a comes before el, they combine into al:
- Voy al cine. (not a el cine)
- Vas al parque.
3. Talking About the Future: Ir + a + Infinitive
Spanish often uses ir + a + infinitive to talk about future plans or intentions — similar to “going to” in English.
Examples:
- Voy a estudiar mañana. → I’m going to study tomorrow.
- Vamos a viajar a México. → We’re going to travel to Mexico.
- Ellos van a comer en un restaurante. → They’re going to eat in a restaurant.
- ¿Qué vas a hacer hoy? → What are you going to do today?
Formula:
Subject + form of “ir” + a + infinitive (unconjugated verb)
→ expresses what someone is going to do.
4. Common Expressions with “Ir”
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
| ir de compras | to go shopping | Voy de compras con mi madre. → I’m going shopping with my mom. |
| ir de vacaciones | to go on vacation | Vamos de vacaciones en julio. → We go on vacation in July. |
| ir a pie | to go on foot / walk | Voy a pie a la escuela. → I walk to school. |
| ir en coche / tren / avión | to go by car / train / plane | Ellos van en coche. → They go by car. |
| ir de paseo | to go for a walk / outing | Vamos de paseo al parque. → We’re going for a walk in the park. |
| irse | to leave / go away | Me voy ahora. → I’m leaving now. |
5. Practice: Fill in the Blanks
Complete each sentence with the correct form of ir.
- Yo _______ a la escuela todos los días.
- Tú _______ al cine con tus amigos.
- Ella _______ a estudiar esta noche.
- Nosotros _______ de vacaciones en julio.
- Ellos _______ al restaurante italiano.
Answers: voy, vas, va, vamos, van
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong: Yo soy al parque.
Correct: Yo voy al parque.
(Ser means “to be,” not “to go.”)
Wrong: Voy la escuela.
Correct: Voy a la escuela.
(Don’t forget the a before the place!)
Wrong: Vas el cine.
Correct: Vas al cine.
(Remember a + el = al.)
7. Why “Ir” Matters
The verb ir allows you to talk about:
- Movement and travel
- Daily routines
- Future plans and goals
- Intentions and actions
It’s one of the most practical verbs in Spanish — and mastering it opens the door to expressing what you’re going to do, where you’re going, and who you’re going with.
8. Quick Conversation Example
A: ¿Adónde vas?
(Where are you going?)
B: Voy al café con mis amigos.
(I’m going to the café with my friends.)
A: ¿Qué van a hacer?
(What are you going to do?)
B: Vamos a estudiar y hablar.
(We’re going to study and talk.)
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