Vamos versus Vámonos.
I have noticed that Paralee uses "Vámonos", and many other people use it as well on other websites since Spanish Dict is a very important source of Spanish learning.
I am not sure if every Spanish speaker is going to agree with me on this, but when we say "vámonos", at least from my point of view, we are not saying exactly "let's go", rather we say "let's leave this place", "let's get out of here". The aim is leaving.
On the other hand, "vamos" means "let's go". So the objective is going somewhere, and arriving to that place, not leaving the place where we are.
I would like to know opinions from native and non-native Spanish speakers.
6 Answers
This might interest you: vamos y vámonos. Your question intrigued me. I particularly liked ivogav's answer (in case you don't use the link):
"Vamos" may be used as "Let's go", but it's also commonly heard meaning only "Let's". For example: if you say "vamos a jugar al tenis", you're meaning "Let's play tennis".
"Vámonos" can only be applied in case of leaving a place. You wouldn't say it if you wanted to do something in a place.
If you're in a tennis court you'd say "Vamos a jugar" to play tennis; or "Vámonos a comer" to leave the place and go to a restaurant.
Again, I'm not claiming credit for this answer, I'm just showing it for those who don't follow the link.
In Mexico:
Vámonos is used more in old films than in real life and if it is used, it isn´t used with a destination but just the word alone. Vamos is used with or without destination and also to encourage someone.
In Paralee´s video, I would personally use or Ándale or Vamos pues as the encouragement/getting started statement, but I´m sure this is very regional.
That makes sense to me, since 'irse' is generally translated specifically as 'to leave', while 'ir' does not have that connotation.
Hi -cae-. Yes, I noticed the same thing! I’m not a native Spanish speaker, but I thought that what she said on those videos was wrong, because the word vámonos (imperative mood) is a conjugated form of the reflexive verb, irse, not of ir. So, in my understanding, it has a meaning similar to that of salir. Hence, “leave,” not “go.” Since it’s the command form, then, “Let’s leave.”
Also, with ir and its conjugated forms, don’t you need more words? Like a + another word, as in where you’re going? Voy a la tienda. I’m going to the store. Vamos a la playa. Let’s go to the beach.
I could be wrong, though. Is it possible that there is some regional exception to this meaning in the area where she studied Spanish?
Interesting point.
I would agree with Julian Chivi. You might also hear Orale pues vámonos.
I would say vamanos is let's go and vamos is we are going(come on!)
