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How to Say "you go" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vas

/bahs//bas/

VerbA1informal
Use this when speaking to one person informally, like a friend or family member (the 'tú' form).
A person with a backpack walking down a path towards a mountain, illustrating the concept of 'you go'.

Examples

¿Adónde vas ahora?

Where are you going now?

Vas a llegar tarde si no te apuras.

You are going to be late if you don't hurry.

Veo que vas al gimnasio todos los días.

I see that you go to the gym every day.

Talking About the Future

Use 'vas a' + another action word (like 'comer' or 'hablar') to easily talk about the near future. For example, 'Vas a comer' means 'You are going to eat'.

The Informal 'You'

'Vas' is the form you use when talking to one person you know well, like a friend, a sibling, or a classmate. It matches with 'tú'.

Mixing up 'Going' and 'Coming'

Mistake:When someone at home calls you, you might say: 'Ya vas.'

Correction: The right way is: 'Ya voy.' Use 'ir' (like 'vas') for movement away from you, and 'venir' (to come) for movement towards you. Since you are going towards the person who called, from their perspective you are 'coming', but from your perspective you are 'going', so you say 'I go' ('voy').

va

/ba//ba/

VerbA1formal
Use this when speaking formally to one person (the 'usted' form) or when referring to a third person singular (he/she/it).
A person walking on a path toward a distant school building, illustrating the concept of 'going' to a destination.

Examples

Ella va al mercado todos los días.

She goes to the market every day.

El tren va a Madrid.

The train goes to Madrid.

Disculpe, ¿usted va a la estación?

Excuse me, are you (formal) going to the station?

The Verb 'Ir' (To Go)

'Va' comes from the verb 'ir'. It's the form you use for a single person or thing you're talking about (he, she, it) or for the formal 'you' (usted).

Forgetting 'a' for Destination

Mistake:Incorrect: Él va el parque.

Correction: Correct: Él va al parque. When you're going TO a place, you almost always need the little word 'a' after 'va'.

vayas

/BA-yas//ˈba.ʝas/

VerbA2any
This form is used after expressions of desire, doubt, emotion, or suggestion, often in the subjunctive mood.
A smiling child stands on a path leading toward a distant, colorful town, while a gentle, large hand points the child down the path in a gesture of encouragement.

Examples

Espero que vayas a la fiesta.

I hope that you go to the party.

Cuando vayas a México, visita las pirámides.

When you go to Mexico, visit the pyramids.

Es importante que vayas al médico.

It's important that you go to the doctor.

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.)

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.

vais

VAH-eess/ˈbajs/

VerbA1informal (Spain)
Use this when addressing more than one person informally, specifically in Spain (the plural 'vosotros' form).
A colorful storybook illustration showing three stylized figures walking briskly away from the viewer down a winding green path toward the distance, symbolizing movement and departure.

Examples

¿A dónde vais de vacaciones este año?

Where are you (all) going for vacation this year?

Vosotros vais al cine, ¿verdad?

You guys are going to the cinema, right?

Si vais a la tienda, comprad leche.

If you (all) go to the store, buy milk.

The 'Vosotros' Form

This word is exclusively used when speaking to 'vosotros' (plural 'you,' used informally). This form is standard in Spain but generally replaced by 'ustedes' in Latin America.

Forming the Immediate Future

You can express immediate future plans by saying 'vais a' followed by another verb: 'Vais a comer ahora' (You are going to eat now).

Mixing the Pronoun

Mistake:Vosotros van

Correction: Vosotros vais. The ending '-ais' must match the 'vosotros' subject.

Informal vs. Formal 'You'

The most common confusion is between 'vas' (informal singular 'you') and 'va' (formal singular 'you' or 'he/she/it'). Always consider your relationship with the person you're speaking to when choosing between these two.

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