Inklingo

How to Say "let's go" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vamos

/BA-mos//'bamos/

Verb (Suggestion/Command)A1General
Use this for a general suggestion to leave or start something, or as an interjection to cheer someone on.
One person standing by an open door, gesturing with their hand for a friend to follow them out.

Examples

La película empieza pronto. ¡Vamos!

The movie starts soon. Let's go!

¿Vamos al cine esta noche?

Shall we go to the movies tonight?

Vamos, que llegamos tarde.

Let's go, we're running late.

¡Vamos, tú puedes hacerlo!

Come on, you can do it!

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.

vamonos

VAH-moh-nohs/ˈba.mo.nos/

InterjectionA1Informal
Use this when you are suggesting that a group should leave a place or start moving together.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two simplistic, smiling human figures running side-by-side down a path, suggesting immediate departure or movement.

Examples

¡Vámonos! La película empieza en cinco minutos.

Let's go! The movie starts in five minutes.

Ya es tarde. Vámonos a casa.

It's already late. Let's go home.

¿Están listos? ¡Vámonos de aquí!

Are you ready? Let's get out of here!

A Fused Command

This word is a combination of the 'we' command form of the verb 'ir' (to go) which is 'vamos', and the pronoun 'nos' (us). It means 'let's go ourselves'.

The Missing 's'

For most 'we' commands (like 'sentémonos'—let's sit), you drop the final 's' of the verb before adding 'nos'. That's why 'vamos' becomes 'vámonos'.

Forgetting the accent

Mistake: “Writing 'vamonos' (without the accent).”

Correction: The correct spelling is 'vámonos'. The accent is needed to tell you to stress the first syllable (VÁ-mo-nos) and follow the standard Spanish stress rules.

vayamos

/vah-YAH-mos//baˈʝa.mos/

VerbA2General
This is the subjunctive form used for suggestions or commands, often implying a slightly more formal or considered proposal to go somewhere or do something.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two cheerful children, a boy and a girl, holding hands and stepping onto a bright path that leads toward a sunny background, symbolizing the start of a shared journey.

Examples

¡Vayamos al cine esta noche!

Let's go to the cinema tonight!

Espero que no vayamos muy tarde.

I hope that we don't go too late.

No sugiero que vayamos por ese camino, es peligroso.

I don't suggest that we go down that road, it's dangerous.

Dual Role of Vayamos

This single form is used for two main purposes: to suggest 'Let's go' (like a command) AND to express feelings, wishes, or uncertainty about us going (using the special verb form).

Irregularity of Ir

The verb 'ir' (to go) completely changes its root in this form, switching from 'i-' to 'vay-'. You just have to memorize this exception!

Confusing 'Vayamos' and 'Vamos'

Mistake: “When suggesting an action, beginners often say: 'Vamos a la fiesta.'”

Correction: Say '¡Vayamos a la fiesta!' (Let's go to the party!) to make a suggestion. 'Vamos' only means 'We are going' (We habitually go).

amos

/AH-mohs//ˈamos/

InterjectionC1Informal
Use this informal, shortened interjection to urge someone to move or hurry up, often with a sense of impatience or encouragement.
A friendly person gesturing with their hand for someone to follow them up a grassy hill.

Examples

¡Amos, anda! No te creo nada.

Come on, really! I don't believe you at all.

¡Amos, que se nos hace tarde!

Let's go, it's getting late!

Shortened Words

In very casual speech, Spanish speakers sometimes drop the 'v' at the start of 'vamos,' making it 'amos.'

Vamos vs. Vamonos

Learners often confuse 'vamos' and 'vámonos'. While both mean 'let's go', 'vamos' is more versatile, used for general suggestions and cheering. 'Vámonos' specifically implies leaving or departing together.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.