ir bien
Lemma Details
Translation: to go well; to be going well; to be doing well; to suit; to look good on
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the verb 'ir' (to go), which comes from Latin 'ire', with the adverb 'bien' (well), from Latin 'bene'. The combination creates an idiomatic expression that describes positive progress or suitability. The concept parallels the English phrase 'to go well' or 'to be doing well', showing how both languages use motion verbs metaphorically to describe states and situations.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
¿Cómo te va? - Me va bien, gracias.
How's it going? - It's going well, thanks.
El proyecto va bien, terminaremos a tiempo.
The project is going well, we'll finish on time.
Ese vestido te va muy bien.
That dress looks very good on you.
Si todo va bien, llegaremos mañana.
If all goes well, we'll arrive tomorrow.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ir' as 'to go' and 'bien' as 'well' - things that 'go well' are on the right track.
- Visualize a car moving smoothly on a road to remember 'ir bien' means things are progressing positively.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is used frequently in daily Spanish conversation to inquire about someone's wellbeing or the progress of a situation. It's also commonly used to comment on how clothing or accessories suit someone.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Ir bien' refers to how something is progressing or how something suits someone, while 'estar bien' refers to a state of being okay or in good condition.
Notes: 'Ir bien' is more about progress or suitability, while 'estar bien' is more about condition or state.
Mnemonic: 'Ir' implies movement or progress, while 'estar' implies a state or condition.
Explanation: 'Ir bien' means something is going well or suits someone, while 'ir con' means to go with someone or something.
Notes: The preposition 'con' changes the meaning completely from evaluation to accompaniment.
Mnemonic: 'Ir bien' has to do with quality or suitability, while 'ir con' is about accompaniment.