If you’re just starting to learn Spanish, you’ve probably come across the phrase voy a in your lessons. But what does ‘voy a’ mean in Spanish, and how can you use it in everyday conversation? 

This article will break down the meaning of voy a and other related forms so you can start using them with confidence, especially as you plan your next summer holiday!

In the podcast episode we use this structure in the context of visiting a Spanish-speaking country, so listen to it to express yourself with confidence when planning your activities or ordering in a restaurant or café. Hopefully, after the episode you won’t wonder ever again what does voy a mean in Spanish.

Understanding ‘voy a’

So, what does ‘voy a’ mean in Spanish? Well, voy a is a common phrase that means ‘I am going to’ in English. It’s used to express actions that you are about to do or intend to do in the near future. 

This structure is similar to the English ‘going to’ when talking about future plans. Por ejemplo:

• Voy a tomar filete con patatas. I am going to have steak with fries.

The verb ‘ir’ and its conjugation

The phrase voy a comes from the verb ir, which means ‘to go’. When combined with a and followed by an infinitive verb (a verb in its basic form), it helps you talk about future plans.

Here’s how ir a is conjugated in the present tense:

• voy a I am going to
• vas a you are going to
• va a he/she/you are going to (formal)
• vamos a we are going to
• vais a you all are going to (used in European Spanish)
• van a they/you all are going to

More examples

Now that you know the basic structure, let’s see how you can use voy a and its variations in sentences, especially when talking about something as exciting as a summer holiday! This way, you won’t have to wonder again what does voy a mean in Spanish because you’ll be using it confidently.

• Vamos a beber una jarra de agua. We are going to drink a jug of water.
• ¿Qué van a tomar? What are they going to have?
• Vais a visitar el museo. You all are going to visit the museum.
• Vamos a desayunar en el hotel. We are going to have breakfast at the hotel.
• Va a sacar fotos en la playa. He/She is going to take pictures at the beach.
• Vamos a hacer una barbacoa. We are going to have a barbecue.

These sentences show how you can talk about your plans during a summer trip. Whether you’re discussing what to eat, where to visit, or what activities to do, ir a + infinitive is a handy structure to use.

Understanding and using voy a correctly is essential for beginner learners of Spanish, and it helps to answer the question what does voy a mean in Spanish. It not only helps you talk about future plans but also allows you to communicate your intentions clearly. Since it’s such a common structure, you’ll hear it often in everyday conversations, making it a key phrase to know.

So, what does voy a mean in Spanish? Now you know it means ‘I am going to’, and you can use it along with its variations to talk about your future plans, especially those exciting summer holidays! Keep practising with different verbs and scenarios, and soon you’ll find yourself naturally using ‘voy a’ in your Spanish conversations.

Mastering the phrase voy a and its related forms is a significant step in learning Spanish. Whether you’re ordering food, planning a trip, or just chatting about your day, this phrase will serve you well. So next time you think, “What does voy a mean in Spanish?”, you’ll remember it’s your gateway to talking about the future in one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. 

When travelling, understanding the weather is key so we are able to plan our stay and make the most of it. We’ll learn how to say and understand the weather in Spanish in the next episode, so don’t miss it!