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How to Say "i'm going" in Spanish

English → Spanish

voy

/boy//ˈboi/

VerbA1General
Use 'voy' when you are actively moving towards a destination or performing an action right now, indicating current movement or intention.
A person viewed from behind, wearing a backpack and walking out an open door towards a sunny street.

Examples

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'.

me marcho

MAHR-choh/ˈmaɾ.tʃo/

Verb FormA1General
Use 'me marcho' specifically to announce your departure or to state that you are leaving a place, emphasizing the act of leaving.
A cheerful cartoon traveler, wearing a small backpack, walking away down a winding path towards the background. The traveler is waving goodbye over their shoulder.

Examples

Ya es muy tarde, me marcho.

It's very late already, I'm leaving.

Si no hay nada más, me marcho a almorzar.

If there's nothing else, I'm going off to have lunch.

Me marcho de vacaciones el viernes.

I'm leaving on vacation on Friday.

The Reflexive 'Me'

Since 'marcho' comes from 'marcharse' (to leave oneself), you must include the little word 'me' before it: 'Me marcho.' This 'me' tells you that the action is happening to the person speaking.

Contrast with 'Marchar'

The non-reflexive verb 'marchar' means 'to march' or 'to work/function.' Only 'marcharse' means 'to leave.' 'El reloj marcha' (The clock works), but 'Me marcho' (I leave).

Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun

Mistake: “Yo marcho.”

Correction: Yo me marcho. You must include the 'me' when you mean 'I am leaving' to make it clear you are using the reflexive verb.

Distinguishing 'Voy' from 'Me Marcho'

Learners often confuse 'voy' and 'me marcho' by using 'voy' when they intend to announce their departure. Remember, 'me marcho' is specifically for stating 'I'm leaving,' while 'voy' is for stating 'I'm going *to* somewhere' or 'I'm doing something now'.

Related Translations

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