How to Say "go" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “go” is “ir” — this is the most general and common verb for 'to go,' used for movement from one place to another..
Examples
Voy al supermercado ahora.
I am going to the supermarket now.
ve
/beh//be/
Examples
Ve a la tienda y compra leche.
Go to the store and buy milk.
Si no te sientes bien, ve al doctor.
If you don't feel well, go to the doctor.
Ve con cuidado, el piso está mojado.
Go carefully, the floor is wet.
The 'Tú' Command Form
This 've' is the special command form of 'ir' (to go) that you use with 'tú' (you, informal). Think of it as a quick, direct way to tell a friend to go somewhere.
Formal vs. Informal Commands
To tell a friend to go, you say '¡Ve!'. To tell someone you don't know well or want to show respect to, you use a different form: '¡Vaya!'.
Confusing 've' with 'ves'
Mistake: “¡Ves a la escuela!”
Correction: ¡Ve a la escuela! — To give a command to 'go', you need 've'. The word 'ves' means 'you see' and comes from a different verb.
vaya
/BA-yah//ˈba.ʝa/
Examples
Espero que todo vaya bien en tu viaje.
I hope everything goes well on your trip.
Cuando vaya a la tienda, compraré pan.
When I go to the store, I will buy bread.
Vaya usted con cuidado, por favor.
Go carefully, please. (Formal command)
The 'Mood' for Wishes and Doubts (Subjunctive)
'Vaya' is a special form of the verb 'ir' (to go) used to talk about things that are not certain, like hopes, wishes, doubts, or possibilities. For example, after 'Espero que...' (I hope that...), you use 'vaya'.
Formal Commands
'Vaya' is also how you tell someone you'd address as 'usted' (formally) to 'go'. The informal command for 'tú' is 've'.
Mixing up 'vaya' and 'va'
Mistake: “Espero que él va a la fiesta.”
Correction: Use 'vaya' after expressions of hope, doubt, or desire. The correct sentence is 'Espero que él vaya a la fiesta'. 'Va' is for statements of fact, like 'Él va a la fiesta' (He is going to the party).
vayan
VAH-yahn[ˈβa.ʝan]
Examples
Espero que los invitados no se vayan tan pronto.
I hope the guests don't go/leave so soon.
Señores, vayan al fondo del pasillo y esperen allí.
Sirs/Madams, go to the end of the hall and wait there. (Formal command)
No creo que vayan a encontrar un hotel abierto a esta hora.
I don't think they are going to find an open hotel at this hour.
Dual Function of Vayan
This form serves two main purposes: 1) It is the command (Imperative) for 'you all' (formal plural, 'ustedes'). 2) It is the special form (Subjunctive) for 'they' or 'you all' (formal plural) when talking about wishes, emotions, or doubts.
Triggering the Special Form
Use 'vayan' when the main part of the sentence expresses desire or uncertainty about the action of going: 'Quiero que vayan' (I want them/you to go).
Confusing Commands
Mistake: “Using 'van' (the simple Present Tense) for a formal command: *'Ustedes, van a la puerta.'*”
Correction: Always use the 'vayan' form for a formal 'you all' command: 'Ustedes, vayan a la puerta.' (Go to the door.)
Subjunctive vs. Indicative
Mistake: “Using the simple indicative tense after doubt: *'Dudo que ellos van a la fiesta.'*”
Correction: Doubt requires the special form: 'Dudo que ellos vayan a la fiesta.' (I doubt they are going to the party.)
marchar
mar-CHAR/maɾˈtʃaɾ/
Examples
El negocio marcha muy bien este trimestre.
The business is going very well this quarter.
Los soldados marcharon durante horas bajo la lluvia.
The soldiers marched for hours under the rain.
La manifestación marchó por el centro de la ciudad.
The demonstration walked (marched) through the center of the city.
Pregunté cómo marchaba la construcción de la casa.
I asked how the construction of the house was progressing.
Regular -AR Verb
Marchar follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar. Once you know the pattern for one, you know it for all!
Impersonal Use
This meaning is often used in the third person (él/ella/usted) to talk about non-human things or situations, like asking '¿Cómo marcha todo?' (How is everything going?).
turno
TOOR-noh/ˈtuɾ.no/
Examples
Por favor, espera tu turno para hablar con el doctor.
Please wait your turn to speak with the doctor.
¡Genial! Ahora es mi turno de lanzar los dados.
Great! Now it's my turn to throw the dice.
Tomé un número y perdí mi turno.
I took a number and missed my turn.
Possessive Adjectives
To say 'my turn,' 'your turn,' etc., you use possessive adjectives: 'mi turno', 'tu turno', 'su turno'.
Using 'vez' instead of 'turno'
Mistake: “Incorrectly saying 'Es mi vez.'”
Correction: Use 'turno' when talking about a sequence or rotation. 'Vez' usually means 'time' or 'occurrence' (e.g., 'once upon a time,' 'every time').
Confusing Commands: 'Ve', 'Vaya', 'Vayan'
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