ve
Wordform Details
Translation: go
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
second-personsingularimperativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: to go; to move; to travel
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Ir comes from Latin 'ire' meaning 'to go'. It's an irregular verb in Spanish with forms derived from three different Latin verbs: 'ire' (go), 'vadere' (advance), and 'esse' (to be). This explains why its conjugation seems so irregular, with present forms like 'voy' coming from 'vadere' and past forms like 'fui' from 'esse'. English words like 'itinerary' and 'transit' share the same Latin root 'ire'.
Commonality: 98%
Guessability: 20%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ir' as the shortest possible way to say 'to go' - just two letters!
- For the present tense forms (voy, vas, etc.), imagine taking a 'voyage' (voy-age).
- For the past tense 'fui', think of 'fleeing' to somewhere in the past.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Ir is one of the most essential verbs in Spanish, used not only for physical movement but also in many idiomatic expressions. The construction 'ir a + infinitive' is commonly used to express future intentions, similar to 'going to' in English.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both 'ir' and 'ser' share the same past tense forms (fui, fuiste, fue, etc.), which can cause confusion. 'Ir' means 'to go' while 'ser' means 'to be' (permanent state).
Notes: Context usually makes it clear which verb is being used.
Mnemonic: For 'fui' from 'ir', think 'I flew to a place'. For 'fui' from 'ser', think 'I fundamentally was something'.
Explanation: 'Ir' means 'to go' while 'irse' (reflexive form) means 'to leave' or 'to go away'. The reflexive form emphasizes departure.
This word:
Voy al cine.
I'm going to the cinema.
Confused word:
Me voy a casa.
I'm leaving for home.
Notes: The reflexive form often implies leaving a place or situation.
Mnemonic: When you see 'me/te/se' before forms of 'ir', think of leaving or departing rather than just going somewhere.