Spanish Verb “To Go”: Ir Made Simple


Learning Spanish can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to irregular verbs. One of the most important verbs you’ll encounter is “ir”, which means “to go”. This verb is essential for everyday conversation, giving directions, and talking about travel plans. In this guide, we’ll break down how to use “ir” in a simple, practical way.


1. Why “Ir” is Important

The verb “ir” is used in many common situations:

  • Talking about going somewhere: Voy al supermercado – “I’m going to the supermarket.”

  • Expressing future plans using ir + a + infinitive: Voy a estudiar – “I’m going to study.”

  • Giving directions: Vamos a la izquierda – “We go to the left.”

Because “ir” is irregular, its forms don’t follow standard conjugation rules, making practice essential.


2. Present Tense Conjugation of Ir

Here’s the present tense of “ir,” which is frequently used in conversation:

Subject Conjugation Example
Yo voy Yo voy al parque. – “I go to the park.”
vas Tú vas a la tienda. – “You go to the store.”
Él/Ella/Usted va Ella va al cine. – “She goes to the movies.”
Nosotros/Nosotras vamos Nosotros vamos a la playa. – “We go to the beach.”
Vosotros/Vosotras vais Vosotros vais al restaurante. – “You all go to the restaurant.”
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes van Ellos van al museo. – “They go to the museum.”

Tip: Notice that the forms don’t follow typical -ir verb patterns. Memorization and practice are key.


3. Using “Ir + a + Infinitive” for the Near Future

“Ir” is often combined with another verb to indicate a planned action:

  • Structure: ir + a + infinitive

  • Examples:

    • Voy a estudiar español. – “I’m going to study Spanish.”

    • Vamos a cenar a las ocho. – “We’re going to have dinner at eight.”

    • Van a viajar a México. – “They are going to travel to Mexico.”

This is one of the easiest ways to talk about the future in Spanish.


4. Common Expressions with “Ir”

  • Ir de compras – to go shopping

  • Ir de viaje – to go on a trip

  • Ir al trabajo / a la escuela – to go to work / school

  • Ir con alguien – to go with someone

Using these expressions regularly helps you sound more natural in conversation.


5. Tips for Mastering “Ir”

  1. Practice conjugations daily – short, repeated practice is more effective than long sessions.

  2. Use real-life examples – talk about places you go or plan to go each day.

  3. Listen and repeat – Spanish podcasts, TV shows, or songs are great for hearing “ir” in context.

  4. Combine with “a + infinitive” – practice forming future plans with “ir” to internalize its usage.


Conclusion

The Spanish verb “ir” is essential for conversation, travel, and expressing plans. By mastering its present tense conjugations and learning the ir + a + infinitive structure, you’ll be able to communicate effectively and confidently in everyday situations. Regular practice and using real-life examples will make “ir” second nature in no time.