What does ir a in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word ir a in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use ir a in Spanish.

The word ir a in Spanish means go, go, work, wear, go [+ gerund], be off, get to [+ gerund], go with, fit with, square with, go [+ gerund], be going to [+ infinitive], go to get, attack the root of the problem, attack the underlying problem, have another think coming, be in a jam, go to the bathroom, be going to fall, go by, swing by, end up, go to 's house, go over to 's place, go out without much on, go out with very little on, end up in, end up in jail, hit the town, paint the town red, be in the lead, go to war, be enlisted, be draughted, go to the snow, go to page number, go bankrupt, do things your own way, be in fashion, act thoughtlessly, do things your own way, be out for yourself, look out for yourself, go further, go beyond, split the bill, get better, be doing worse, do things my own way, go window shopping, go to Mass, what I say goes, fight to the death, wander, end up, wind up, get worse, walk, be pigheaded, go for, go for, try everything, go to meet, go to meet up, draft, go all out, do your own thing, do your own thing, go your own way, go straight for , go deliberately for, go out for a drink, absolutely baked, go to the emergency room, go to see, go to live, be accompanied by, walk in front, be in front, go to the bathroom, go to the gallows, get to the point, go to meet, go to the front line, drift, get to the point, get in there, get to work, go to work, go there, take shape. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word ir a

go

verbo intransitivo (dirigirse)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Este tren va a Madrid. Para llegar al museo, tienes que tomar el autobús que va hacia el sur.
This train goes to Madrid. To get to the museum, you have to take the bus that goes south.

go

verbo intransitivo (asistir)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Mis padres no me dejan ir a la fiesta. La clase de hoy estuvo muy interesante, pero mi compañera no pudo ir.
My parents won't let me go to the party. Today's class was very interesting, but my classmate couldn't go.

work

verbo intransitivo (informal (funcionar)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
El ordenador no va; tendré que llamar al técnico.
The computer isn't working. I'm going to have to call a technician.

wear

(llevar puesto)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Las azafatas tienen que ir de uniforme.
Stewardesses must wear a uniform.

go [+ gerund]

(futuro próximo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Esta tarde vamos a nadar en la piscina. Voy a comprarme unos zapatos de cuero.
I'm going to buy some leather shoes.

be off

verbo pronominal (marcharse) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ya me voy porque tengo que preparar la cena.
I'm off because I have to get dinner ready.

get to [+ gerund]

verbo intransitivo (acción progresiva)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Yo voy pelando las verduras mientras tú cortas la carne. Hay que ir pensando en el lanzamiento del nuevo producto.
We must get on with thinking about the launch of the new product.

go with, fit with, square with

(concordar, armonizar)

Menospreciar a los demás no va con mis ideas.
Undermining others doesn't fit (or: go) with my ideas.

go [+ gerund]

(ponerse a conjeturar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
No vayas a creer que no me gustó la carne; es que estoy muy llena.
Don't go thinking that I didn't like the meat. I'm just very full.

be going to [+ infinitive]

(intencionalidad)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Iba a salir, pero comenzó a llover y tuve que devolverme.
I was going to go out, but it started raining and I had to head back.

go to get

(ir a buscar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Voy por un pan al súper; ya vuelvo.
ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. I'm just nipping out the shops. Do you need anything?

attack the root of the problem, attack the underlying problem

locución verbal (ir a la base del problema)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Para entender lo que pasa debemos atacar el problema de raíz.
To understand what's happening, we must attack the root of the problem.

have another think coming

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar equivocado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
¡Si cree que después de lo que ha hecho voy a ir con él al baile, está apañado!
If he thinks that after what he's done I'm going to go to the ball with him, he's got another think coming!

be in a jam

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar en un lío)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Siempre que te veo estás aviado. Deja de meterte en problemas.

go to the bathroom

locución verbal (MX, coloquial (evacuar, orinar) (US)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be going to fall

locución verbal (una fecha)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La reunión fue a caer justo el día de mi cumpleaños.
ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. My birthday is going to fall on a Monday this year.

go by, swing by

locución verbal (llegar de improviso)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])
Voy a caer a lo de mi madre después de almorzar.
I'm going to go (or: swing) by my mum's after lunch.

end up

locución verbal (a dar, a parar)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")
La pelota fue a caer al jardín del vecino.
The ball ended up in the neighbour's garden.

go to 's house, go over to 's place

locución verbal (visitar a alguien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
El sábado fui a casa de Carlos a comer.
I went to Carlos' house for lunch on Saturday.

go out without much on, go out with very little on

locución verbal (ES, coloquial (salir sin abrigarse)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Carlos fue a cuerpo al trabajo y cuando volvió tuvo mucho frío.
Carlos went out to work without much on and when he came back he was very cold.

end up in

locución verbal (terminar en)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Nos perdimos y fuimos a dar a otra discoteca.

end up in jail

expresión (coloquial (ir a prisión)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

hit the town, paint the town red

locución verbal (salir a divertirse)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
María sale de fiesta siempre que puede.
Maria hits the town whenever she can.

be in the lead

locución verbal (en primer lugar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Juan va a la cabeza de la carrera.
Juan is in the lead of the race.

go to war

locución verbal (contra otro país)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Estados Unidos fue a la guerra contra Irak.
The USA went to war with Iraq.

be enlisted, be draughted

locución verbal (persona: ser reclutada)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Juan fue a la guerra hace una semana.
Juan was enlisted a week ago.

go to the snow

locución verbal (a lugares nevados)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La familia va a la nieve todos los inviernos.
The family goes to the snow every winter.

go to page number

locución verbal (cambiar de página)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Para ver las notas deben ir a la página número 20.
To see the notes go to page number 20.

go bankrupt

locución verbal (arruinarse, quebrar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La empresa fue a la quiebra después de ese negocio fallido.
The company went bankrupt following that failed venture.

do things your own way

locución verbal (no pensar en los demás)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Elisa siempre va a la suya, y a todos nos deja colgados.
Elisa always does things her own way and leaves us hanging.

be in fashion

locución verbal (a la moda)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Las estrellas del pop están obligadas a ir a la última.
Pop stars are obliged to be in fashion.

act thoughtlessly

locución verbal (actuar sin reparos)

Juan fue a las bravas y ahora está pagando las consecuencias.
Juan acted thoughtlessly and is now paying the consequences.

do things your own way

locución verbal (coloquial (centrarse en lo suyo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Si vas a lo tuyo y no te metes en los asuntos de los demás, tendrás menos problemas.
If you do things your own way and don't get involved with others, you'll have less problems.

be out for yourself, look out for yourself

locución verbal (coloquial (ser egoísta)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
No le pidas ayuda a Luz; ella siempre va a lo suyo.
Don't ask Luz for help. She's always out for herself.

go further, go beyond

locución verbal (progresar, avanzar)

Natalia quiere ir a más y seguir estudiando.
Natalia wants to go further (or: go beyond) and continue studying.

split the bill

locución verbal (pagar a mitades)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La primera vez que fui con Rodrigo a un restaurante, no lo dejé pagar sino que fuimos a medias.

get better

locución verbal (mejorar, progresar)

La empresa va a mejor desde que cambiaron los dueños.
The company is getting better since the change in management.

be doing worse

locución verbal (decaer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La empresa va a menos desde que empezó la recesión.
The company has been doing worse since the recession hit.

do things my own way

locución verbal (coloquial (ser independiente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Voy a mi rollo, no me importa lo que digan de mí.
I do things my own way, no matter what others say about me.

go window shopping

locución verbal (ver sin comprar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Paula fue a mirar escaparates el domingo.
Paula went window shopping on Sunday.

go to Mass

locución verbal (asistir a la iglesia) (Anglican ceremony)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Todos los domingos vamos a misa y luego visitamos a los abuelos.
We go to Mass every Sunday and then we visit my grandparents.

what I say goes

locución verbal (ES: coloquial, figurado (ser indiscutible)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Yo soy quien manda aquí, y lo que yo digo va a misa.
I call the shots around here and what I say goes.

fight to the death

locución verbal (coloquial (intentarlo todo) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mi compañera va a ir a muerte por el puesto de jefe.
My workmate will fight to the death for the position of boss.

wander

locución verbal (andar sin destino)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Pablo iba a ninguna parte, sólo disfrutaba el paseo.
Pablo was wandering and just enjoying the walk.

end up, wind up

(acabar en)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")
El balón voló por los aires y fue a parar en el techo de la casa.

get worse

locución verbal (deterioro, pérdida)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Desde que perdió el trabajo ha ido a peor y ahora está hundido.
Since he lost his job he has gotten worse and now he's sunk.

walk

locución verbal (desplazarse caminando)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Juan va a pie al trabajo.
Juan goes to work on foot.

be pigheaded

locución verbal (obstinarse, no ceder)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Vas a piñón fijo y, aunque sepas que no tienes razón, sigues en las mismas.
You know you're wrong but you are pigheaded and won't back down.

go for

locución verbal (ir a buscar algo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Fuimos a por setas al campo.
ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. I'll just fetch my coat from the bedroom then we can leave.

go for

locución verbal (ir a recoger a alguien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Juan fue a por Laura y regresa.
Juan went for Laura and is coming back.

try everything

locución verbal (coloquial (intentarlo todo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

go to meet, go to meet up

locución verbal (verse con alguien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Lucas fue a reunirse con sus jefes.
Lucas went to meet with his managers.

draft

locución verbal (detrás de otro ciclista) (cycling)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Chupar rueda es un recurso útil cuando hay viento.
Drafting is a useful strategy when it's windy.

go all out

locución verbal (sin miramiento)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
No te fíes de Andrés; va a saco con las mujeres.
Don't trust Andrés: he goes all out with women.

do your own thing

locución verbal (independiente, egoísta) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Va a su aire sin contar con nadie.
Do your own thing and don't depend on anyone.

do your own thing

locución verbal (peyorativo (actuar sin lógica)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Va a su bola sin atender consejos de nadie.
He does his own thing without heeding advice from anyone.

go your own way

locución verbal (independiente, especial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
María va a su rollo; su música, sus libros y que la dejen en paz.
Mary goes her own way; her music, her books, and wants to be left alone.

go straight for , go deliberately for

locución verbal (con objetivo claro)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

go out for a drink

locución verbal (salir a beber)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Bruno y Ariana fueron a tomar algo al bar.
Bruno and Ariana went out for a drink in the bar.

absolutely baked

locución verbal (coloquial (rápido, drogado, cargado) (drugs, colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Voy a tope de marihuana, si me pilla la policía me mete en chirona.
ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. Pedro smoked marijuana before the game and is absolutely baked. It's the best he's played all year.

go to the emergency room

locución verbal (al hospital) (US)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Martín fue a urgencias porque tenía fiebre.
Martin went to the emergency room with a fever.

go to see

locución verbal (comprobar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Voy a ver si la comida acá es tan buena como dicen.
I'm going to see if the food here is really as good as they say it is.

go to live

locución verbal (mudarse, cambiarse)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be accompanied by

locución verbal (ir con alguien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Lucas fue acompañado de su mujer a la fiesta.
Lucas was accompanied by his wife at the party.

walk in front

(al caminar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
¿Por qué siempre vas adelante cuando caminamos?

be in front

(llevar la delantera)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
El otro corredor va adelante, pero no por mucho.

go to the bathroom

locución verbal (evacuar, orinar) (US)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ve al baño antes de subir al auto: nos espera un largo viaje.
Go to the bathroom before you get in the car: we're in for a long ride.

go to the gallows

locución verbal (grave riesgo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Yo no soy cobarde, pero tampoco me gusta ir al degolladero.

get to the point

locución verbal (ver lo esencial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
No te andes con circunloquios y ve al detalle.
Don't beat around the bush and get to the point.

go to meet

locución verbal (buscar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Pablo fue al encuentro de María.
Pablo went to meet Maria.

go to the front line

locución verbal (en primera línea de fuego)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Los reclutas no querían ir al frente, preferían quedarse en la retaguardia.
The recruits didn't want to go to the front lines; they preferred to stay in the rear.

drift

locución verbal (ir sin dirección)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Mi hijo adolescente va al garete y no sabe qué quiere hacer con su vida.

get to the point

locución verbal (centrarse en lo que importa)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Si no queremos eternizar la discusión tenemos que ir al grano.
If we don't want this discussion to go on forever we need to get to the point.

get in there

locución verbal (coloquial (sexo: sin rodeos) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
En la primera cita ya quiso ir al grano.
She wanted to get in there on the first date.

get to work

locución verbal (buscar el beneficio)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Entienda que esta empresa no es una ONG; aquí vamos al negocio.
Understand that this business is not an NGO; here we go to work.

go to work

locución verbal (salir a trabajar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ernesto va al trabajo en tren.
Ernesto goes to work by train.

go there

(acercarse)

Carlos fue allí para hablar con Gabriela.
Carlos went there to talk to Gabriela.

take shape

locución verbal (concretarse progresivamente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Aún no está listo el asado, pero ya va cogiendo forma.

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Spanish (español), also known as Castilla, is a language of the Iberian-Romance group of the Romance languages, and the 4th most common language in the world according to Some sources, while others list it as a 2nd or 3rd most common language. It is the mother tongue of about 352 million people, and is spoken by 417 million people when adding its speakers as a language. sub (estimated in 1999). Spanish and Portuguese have very similar grammar and vocabulary; The number of similar vocabulary of these two languages is up to 89%. Spanish is the primary language of 20 countries around the world. It is estimated that the total number of speakers of Spanish is between 470 and 500 million, making it the second most widely spoken language in the world by number of native speakers.