Most everyday cases use van; add se (se van) when the meaning is “they’re leaving.”
You’ll hear several Spanish options that map to “they are going,” and they’re not interchangeable. One choice points to movement toward a place. Another points to leaving. Another points to a plan that’s about to happen. Here you’ll get the forms, the cues that pick the right one, and ready-to-copy lines you can say out loud.
What “They Are Going” Usually Means In Spanish
English packs a lot into one line: motion, plans, departure, even a polite way to end a chat. Spanish separates those ideas. Start with the verb ir (“to go”). In the “they” form, it becomes van. That single word can mean “they go” and “they’re going” when the context already shows it’s happening now.
When the sense is “they’re leaving,” Spanish often uses irse (“to leave/go away”). In the “they” form, it becomes se van. That little se changes the feel: away from here, not toward there.
How To Say ‘They Are Going’ In Spanish For Plans And Movement
If you want one default that fits most scenes, start with van. Then add the rest: where, when, or what they’re going to do. Spanish can drop the “are” part because the verb ending already carries it.
Use “Van” For Going To A Place
Van + a + place is the cleanest match for “they’re going to…”. Use it for travel, errands, and any move toward a destination.
- Van a la escuela. They’re going to school.
- Van al centro. They’re going downtown.
- Van a casa. They’re going home.
Use “Van A + Infinitive” For “They’re Going To Do…”
English “they’re going to study” is often about intention, not physical motion. Spanish keeps the same structure: van a + infinitive. This works for plans, decisions, and near-future actions.
- Van a estudiar esta noche. They’re going to study tonight.
- Van a llamar más tarde. They’re going to call later.
- Van a comer aquí. They’re going to eat here.
Use “Se Van” For Leaving
When the idea is departure from the current place, se van is the natural pick. It can sound like “they’re heading out,” “they’re leaving,” or “they’re going away,” depending on the rest of the line.
- Se van ahora. They’re leaving now.
- Se van de la fiesta temprano. They’re leaving the party early.
- Se van para México mañana. They’re leaving for Mexico tomorrow.
Use “Están Yendo” When You Need “Right Now” Emphasis
Spanish can also use a progressive form: estar + gerund. For “they are going,” that becomes están yendo. It’s correct, yet it’s used less than English “are going.” Reach for it when you must underline the “in progress” sense, or when you’re correcting a misunderstanding.
- Ya están yendo. They’re already on their way.
- Están yendo hacia la estación. They’re going toward the station.
Pick The Right Option With Three Fast Checks
When you hesitate, run these checks in your head. They take a second and keep you from sounding off.
Check 1: Toward A Place Or Away From Here?
If your sentence answers “Where are they headed?”, use van with a destination. If it answers “Are they leaving this spot?”, use se van. A single preposition can tip it:
- Van a + place = toward a destination.
- Se van de + place/event = out of a place or away from an event.
Check 2: Plan Or Motion?
If “going” means intention (“they’re going to try”), Spanish uses van a + infinitive. If “going” means movement (“they’re going to the store”), Spanish uses van + destination.
Check 3: Do You Need A Time Anchor?
Spanish often leans on time words to carry the “now” meaning that English bakes into “are going.” Add a time marker when clarity matters:
- ahora (now)
- ya (already)
- en este momento (right now)
- mañana (tomorrow)
- hoy (today)
Common Sentence Patterns You’ll Use A Lot
These patterns handle most real talk. Swap the noun, verb, or time word and you’ve got a fresh line.
Going To A Place
Van a + place.
- Van al trabajo.
- Van a la playa.
- Van a la biblioteca.
Going To Do Something
Van a + infinitive.
- Van a practicar.
- Van a empezar.
- Van a pedir comida.
Leaving / Heading Out
Se van + time / destination / reason.
- Se van en diez minutos.
- Se van a casa.
- Se van porque están cansados.
On Their Way
Spanish has a handy phrase: ir de camino or estar en camino. It often sounds more natural than forcing están yendo into every line.
- Ya van de camino. They’re already on their way.
- Están en camino. They’re on the way.
English Meaning To Spanish Choice Map
Use this table when you’re translating in your head. It shows the common English intent and the Spanish form that usually lands well.
| English intent | Spanish form | Best fit cue |
|---|---|---|
| They’re going to a place | Van a + place | Destination is the point |
| They’re going to do something | Van a + infinitive | Plan or intention |
| They’re leaving now | Se van + time | Leaving this spot |
| They’re leaving a place/event | Se van de + place/event | Out of a location |
| They’re heading that way (in progress) | Ya van / Van de camino | Movement is underway |
| They’re going right now (emphasis) | Están yendo | You must stress “right now” |
| They’re going to leave (about to) | Se van a ir | Departure is about to happen |
| They’re going back | Van a volver / Vuelven | Return is the point |
| They’re going out (social) | Van a salir | Out for an activity |
“Van” In The Near Future: When English Means A Plan
English uses “they’re going” for plans even when nobody is moving. Spanish matches that with van a + infinitive. It pairs well with a time word, and you can keep it short.
- Van a venir mañana. They’re going to come tomorrow.
- Van a cambiar el horario. They’re going to change the schedule.
- Van a mudarse pronto. They’re going to move soon.
If the plan is cancelled, swap the verb around it. You don’t need a new structure:
- No van a venir. They’re not going to come.
- ¿Van a venir? Are they going to come?
“Se Van” Details: Reflexive Meaning In Plain Terms
Ir points to “go.” Irse points to “leave.” Many learners skip the reflexive form and end up saying “they go” when they mean “they’re leaving.” If you’re saying goodbye, ending a meeting, or noting that someone is heading out, se van is the safer pick.
You can also stack it with a to show where they’re leaving for:
- Se van a casa. They’re heading home.
- Se van al hotel. They’re going back to the hotel.
And you can use se van a ir when the moment is close:
- Se van a ir ya. They’re about to leave.
Mini Conjugation Sheet For “They” With Examples
These forms show up again and again. Read each line twice, then hide the Spanish and try to recall it.
| Form | Built from | Sample line |
|---|---|---|
| van | ir (they) | Van a clase. |
| se van | irse (they) | Se van temprano. |
| van a + infinitive | near-future pattern | Van a estudiar. |
| se van a ir | near departure | Se van a ir ya. |
| están yendo | estar + gerund | Están yendo al banco. |
| van de camino | phrase for “on the way” | Ya van de camino. |
| van a salir | plan to go out | Van a salir hoy. |
Easy Practice Drills That Stick
Practice works best when you keep the same frame and swap one piece. Try these quick drills. Say them out loud, even if it feels silly.
Drill 1: Destination Swap
- Say: Van a casa.
- Swap the place: Van al parque.
- Swap again: Van a la tienda.
Drill 2: Plan Swap
- Say: Van a estudiar.
- Swap the verb: Van a trabajar.
- Swap again: Van a descansar.
Drill 3: Leave Vs Go
- Say: Van al restaurante.
- Now make it departure: Se van del restaurante.
- Now add timing: Se van del restaurante en cinco minutos.
Mistakes Learners Make And Simple Fixes
Using “Están Yendo” Every Time
It’s correct grammar, yet it can sound heavy if you use it for every “are going.” Use van in most scenes, then save están yendo for moments when you need the “in progress” punch.
Missing “Se” When The Meaning Is Leaving
If you’re talking about departing, dropping se can flip the meaning. Compare:
- Van de la fiesta. This sounds odd to many ears.
- Se van de la fiesta. Clear: they’re leaving the party.
Mixing “Ir” And “Venir”
English “go” can be from any point of view. Spanish often chooses between ir (away from the speaker) and venir (toward the speaker). If they’re coming toward you, vienen may be the better verb than any “going” form.
Questions, Negatives, And Short Replies
You’ll often need this idea in questions and quick answers. Spanish keeps it tidy: flip the order for a question, and place no right before the verb for a negative. Add a time word when you want extra clarity.
- ¿Van al cine? Are they going to the movies?
- No van al cine hoy. They aren’t going to the movies today.
- ¿Se van ya? Are they leaving already?
- Sí, se van. Yes, they’re leaving.
If someone asks “Where are they going?”, you can answer with just van plus the destination: Van al trabajo. In casual speech, that short reply sounds normal and direct.
Regional Notes Without Overthinking It
Across Spanish-speaking places, van and se van are widely understood. You may hear small shifts like para used more or less for destinations, or irse used more often in goodbyes. If you stick to the patterns above, you’ll sound natural almost anywhere.
Quick Self-Check Before You Speak
- Are they headed toward a destination? Use van a + place.
- Is it a plan? Use van a + infinitive.
- Are they leaving this place? Use se van.
- Do you need “right now” emphasis? Use están yendo or a phrase like van de camino.
Pick one pattern and say five lines with it. Then switch patterns. After a few rounds, your brain will stop translating word-by-word and start choosing the Spanish meaning first.