Inklingo

How to Say "i go" in Spanish

English → Spanish

voy

/boy//ˈboi/

verbA1general
Use 'voy' for general statements about going somewhere, whether it's a specific destination, a routine activity, or simply indicating movement towards a place.
A person viewed from behind, wearing a backpack and walking out an open door towards a sunny street.

Examples

Voy al trabajo todos los días a las ocho.

I go to work every day at eight.

Voy al supermercado. ¿Necesitas algo?

I'm going to the supermarket. Do you need anything?

Todos los días voy al gimnasio por la mañana.

Every day I go to the gym in the morning.

Si no te importa, voy contigo.

If you don't mind, I'll go with you.

A Very Special Verb

'Voy' is the 'I' form of the verb 'ir' (to go). It looks very different from 'ir', so you just have to remember that when you want to say 'I go', you say 'voy'.

Use 'a' for Your Destination

To say where you are going, use the little word 'a' after 'voy'. For example: 'Voy a la escuela' (I'm going to the school).

Forgetting its Irregular Form

Mistake: “Yo iro al mercado.”

Correction: Yo voy al mercado. The verb 'ir' is very irregular, and its 'I' form is always 'voy'.

ando

AHN-doh/ˈan.do/

verbA1general
Use 'ando' when describing movement from one place to another, often implying a less directed or more leisurely perambulation, like walking around.
A person walking along a winding garden path on a sunny day.

Examples

Ando por el centro buscando una tienda.

I'm walking around downtown looking for a store.

Yo ando por el parque todas las tardes.

I walk through the park every afternoon.

Ando en bicicleta para ir al trabajo.

I ride my bike to get to work.

Using 'ando' to talk about yourself

Use 'ando' when you (Yo) are the one moving or acting right now. It is the 'I' form of the verb 'andar'.

Confusing 'ando' with '-ando'

Mistake: “Thinking 'ando' by itself is how you say '-ing' in English.”

Correction: By itself, 'ando' means 'I walk'. To say '-ing', you add the letters '-ando' to the end of a different verb, like 'habl-ando' (speaking).

Choosing between 'voy' and 'ando'

Learners often confuse 'voy' and 'ando' by using 'ando' for direct, goal-oriented travel. Remember, 'voy' is for stating you are going somewhere, while 'ando' implies moving around or wandering within an area.

Related Translations

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