Explanation

Quick Answer

The verb iris one of the most commonly used verbs in the Spanish language. It generally means to go, but it is very versatile and can be used in a variety of expressions.

Conjugating Ir

Before learning what expressions are used with the verb ir, let’s review how to conjugate it in the present tense. Ir is an irregular present tense verb.

SubjectPresent Tense Conjugation
yovoy
vas
él/ella/ustedva
nosotrosvamos
vosotrosvais
ellos/ellas/ustedesvan
Present Tense Conjugation
yovoy
vas
él/ella/ustedva
nosotrosvamos
vosotrosvais
ellos/ellas/ustedesvan

Click here to see how ir is conjugated in other tenses.

Now let’s learn some expressions with ir!

Ir and the Informal Future

The informal future uses a combination of a conjugated form of ir in the present indicative, the preposition a, and an infinitive. It is used to express events in the immediate future and for set plans.

Informal Future Formula

ir + a + infinitive

Check out the following examples.

examples
Voy a lavar los platos.
I’m going to wash the dishes.
Van a limpiar la casa.
They're going to clean the house.

Ir and Places

• To talk about where someone is going, use ir + a + a place.

When the place is masculine and singular, remember a + el = al.

Check out these examples.

examples
Vamos al parque hoy.
We’re going to the park today.
¿Vas a la playa mañana?
Are you going to the beach tomorrow?

• We use the reflexive pronoun with the verb ir followed by para and a place to express to leave for.

examples
Me voy para España esta tarde.
I am leaving for Spain this afternoon.

• We use ir + en + a mode of transportation to talk about how someone is getting somewhere.

examples
Va a la escuela en autobús.
She goes to school by bus.

Ir + Gerund

Ir is often used with a gerund to talk about the progression of an action. It is similar to the present progressive tense, but this formula really puts an emphasis on the action unfolding. Check out these examples!

examples
Poco a poco van mejorando las cosas.
Things are improving gradually.
Voy entendiendo cómo funciona una relación.
I'm starting to understand how relationships work.

Additional Expressions

Here are some additional expressions with ir.

SpanishEnglish
ir a mediasto go fifty-fifty
ir a pieto walk/go on foot
ir al granoto get to the point
ir deto be about
ir de comprasto go shopping
ir de excursiónto go on a day trip/outing
ir de mal en peorto go from bad to worse
ir de paseoto go for a walk
ir de pescato go fishing
ir de viajeto go on a trip
ir porto go and get
irse por las ramasto beat around the bush
¿Cómo te va?How’s it going?/How are you doing?
¿Cómo va ... ?How is … going?
¡Qué va!Come on!
¡Vaya!Wow!
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