vamos
/BA-mos/
we go
Here, 'vamos' is used to state a fact: that 'we go' or 'we are going' somewhere.
vamos(Verb)
we go
?describing a routine action
we are going
?describing an action happening now or in the near future
📝 In Action
Todos los domingos vamos al mercado.
A1Every Sunday we go to the market.
Vamos a la playa mañana si hace buen tiempo.
A1We are going to the beach tomorrow if the weather is nice.
Normalmente vamos en coche, pero hoy vamos a pie.
A2Normally we go by car, but today we are going on foot.
💡 Grammar Points
Talking About the Future
A super common way to talk about the near future is using 'vamos a' + another verb. For example, 'vamos a comer' means 'we are going to eat'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Vamos' vs. 'Vayamos'
Mistake: "Usando 'vayamos' cuando quieres decir 'we go'."
Correction: Usa 'vamos' para decir lo que está pasando ('We go to the store'). 'Vayamos' es una forma especial para deseos o dudas, como en 'Espero que vayamos' ('I hope that we go').
As a suggestion or friendly command, 'vamos' is the perfect way to say 'let's go' and get a group moving.
vamos(Verb (Suggestion/Command))
let's go
?making a suggestion to leave or start something
shall we go
?phrased as a question
📝 In Action
La película empieza pronto. ¡Vamos!
A1The movie starts soon. Let's go!
¿Vamos al cine esta noche?
A2Shall we go to the movies tonight?
Vamos, que llegamos tarde.
A2Let's go, we're running late.
💡 Grammar Points
A Friendly Command for 'Us'
'Vamos' is the special command form for 'nosotros' (we/us). It's used to invite people to do something together, making it sound like a suggestion, not a strict order.
⭐ Usage Tips
Making Plans Easily
This is the easiest way to suggest an activity. Just say 'Vamos a...' and add what you want to do. 'Vamos a comer' (Let's eat), 'Vamos a caminar' (Let's walk).
Shouted on its own, '¡Vamos!' is a burst of energy, used to cheer someone on or express excitement.
vamos(Interjection)
come on
?encouragement or impatience
let's go
?as a cheer, e.g., for a team
,hurry up
?expressing impatience
📝 In Action
¡Vamos, tú puedes hacerlo!
A2Come on, you can do it!
¡Vamos, equipo! ¡A ganar!
B1Let's go, team! Let's win!
¡Pero vamos! ¿Todavía no estás listo?
B1Come on! You're still not ready?
⭐ Usage Tips
Listen to the Tone
The meaning of '¡Vamos!' as an exclamation depends entirely on your tone of voice. It can be happy and encouraging, or frustrated and impatient.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vamos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'vamos' to mean 'Come on!' as encouragement?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'vamos' and 'vámonos'?
They are very similar! 'Vamos' means 'Let's go'. 'Vámonos' adds a little more urgency, like 'Let's get out of here' or 'Let's leave now'. You use 'vámonos' when the main point is leaving the place you are currently in.
Why do people say 'vamos' for 'let's go' instead of 'vayamos'?
It's a special rule in Spanish. For the verb 'ir' (to go), the 'let's...' command form uses the regular present tense form ('vamos') instead of the special command form ('vayamos'). This makes it one of the easiest commands to learn!