vayas
/BA-yas/
you go
This image visualizes the suggestion or desire that 'you go' somewhere (e.g., Espero que vayas a la fiesta).
vayas(Verb)
you go
?used after expressions of desire, doubt, or suggestion
you may go
?expressing possibility or permission
,you'll go
?after 'cuando' (when) referring to a future action
📝 In Action
Espero que vayas a la fiesta.
A2I hope that you go to the party.
Cuando vayas a México, visita las pirámides.
B1When you go to Mexico, visit the pyramids.
Es importante que vayas al médico.
B1It's important that you go to the doctor.
Dudo que vayas a terminar todo hoy.
B2I doubt that you are going to finish everything today.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Wishing and Doubting' Verb Form (Subjunctive)
In Spanish, after phrases that express wishes, doubts, recommendations, or emotions (like 'espero que...' or 'quiero que...'), the following verb often changes to this special form. 'Vayas' is the form for 'tú' (you). It shows that you're talking about something that isn't a sure thing.
Talking About the Future with 'Cuando'
Even though it might feel strange, when you use 'cuando' (when) to talk about a future event, you must use 'vayas' instead of 'vas'. For example: 'Cuando vayas a la tienda, compra pan.' (When you go to the store, buy bread.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'vas' instead of 'vayas'
Mistake: "Quiero que vas conmigo."
Correction: Quiero que vayas conmigo. After a 'trigger phrase' like 'Quiero que...' (I want that...), Spanish requires this special verb form to show it's a desire, not a fact.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Super Versatile Form
You'll see 'vayas' pop up everywhere! It's used for wishes, commands, doubts, and future plans. Getting comfortable with it is a huge step in sounding more natural in Spanish.
The image illustrates the negative command 'don't go' (¡No vayas!).
📝 In Action
¡No vayas tan rápido!
A2Don't go so fast!
Por favor, no te vayas todavía.
A2Please, don't go yet.
No vayas por esa calle, es peligrosa.
B1Don't go down that street, it's dangerous.
💡 Grammar Points
Giving 'Don't...' Commands
To tell a friend ('tú') NOT to do something, you use this 'vayas' form right after 'no'. The positive command is 've' (Go!), but the negative command is '¡No vayas!' (Don't go!).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Saying 'No ves' for a Command
Mistake: "¡No ves a la tienda!"
Correction: ¡No vayas a la tienda! The positive command for 'tú' is 've', but for all negative 'tú' commands, you use the present subjunctive form, which is 'vayas'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Same Word, Two Jobs
Notice that the word for 'don't go' ('no vayas') is the same as the 'wishing' form ('espero que vayas'). The word 'no' at the beginning is the key that tells you it's a command.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vayas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'vayas' correctly to express a wish or hope?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'vayas' look so different from 'ir'?
It's because 'ir' is a very irregular verb. It actually borrows forms from three different Latin verbs! 'Vayas' comes from the Latin verb 'vadere' (to advance), which is why it doesn't look like 'ir' or other forms like 'fui'.
When do I use 'vayas' and when do I use 'vas'?
Use 'vas' for facts or things that are definitely happening now: 'Tú vas a la tienda' (You are going to the store). Use 'vayas' for non-facts like wishes, doubts, suggestions, or negative commands: 'Quiero que vayas' (I want you to go) or '¡No vayas!' (Don't go!).
Is 'vayas' formal or informal?
It's the form for 'tú', which is the informal 'you' used with friends, family, and people your age. For the formal 'you' (usted), you would use 'vaya'.