Expressing 'Let's'

01

Regular Verb Formation

The formation follows a simple pattern of "vowel swapping." You take the stem of the verb (the `yo` form in the present tense without the `-o`) and add the opposite ending.

For -ar verbs, the ending is -emos.

• Hablamos demasiado. → Hablemos de otra cosa.

  We talk too much. → Let's talk about something else.

• ¿Cenamos en casa? → No, cenemos fuera hoy.

  Are we having dinner at home? → No, let's eat out today.

For -er and -ir verbs, the ending is -amos.

• Aprendemos español. → ¡Aprendamos juntos!

  We are learning Spanish. → Let's learn together!

• Escribimos un correo. → Escribámoselo ahora.

  We are writing an email. → Let's write it to him now.

• Vivimos aquí. → Vivamos el momento.

  We live here. → Let's live in the moment.

02

Irregular Verbs

Verbs that are irregular in the present subjunctive maintain their irregularity in this "Let's" form.

• Tengamos paciencia.

  Let's be patient. (from tener)

• Digamos la verdad.

  Let's tell the truth. (from decir)

• Hagamos un descanso.

  Let's take a break. (from hacer)

• Seamos optimistas.

  Let's be optimistic. (from ser)

03

The Special Case of 'Ir' (To Go)

While the subjunctive form of ir is vayamos, for the meaning of "Let's go," the present indicative form vamos is almost always used. Vayamos is grammatically correct but sounds very formal or is reserved for specific contexts.

• Vamos a la playa.

  Let's go to the beach. (common)

• Vayamos a la playa.

  Let's go to the beach. (very formal/literary)

04

Adding Pronouns

Object and reflexive pronouns are attached to the end of the verb. Note a special rule: when the reflexive pronoun nos is attached, the final -s of the verb form is dropped. An accent is often added to maintain the original stress.

• Levantemos + nos → Levantémonos.

  Let's get up.

• Sentemos + nos → Sentémonos.

  Let's sit down.

For other pronouns, the -s is kept.

• Compremos + lo → Comprémoslo.

  Let's buy it.

• Demos + le + una sorpresa → Démosle una sorpresa.

  Let's give him a surprise.

05

Alternative: 'Vamos a' + Infinitive

A very common and slightly more informal way to say "Let's..." is to use the construction vamos a + the infinitive form of the verb. This structure is interchangeable with the subjunctive form in most everyday situations.

• Comamos algo. → Vamos a comer algo.

  Let's eat something.

• Hablemos con él. → Vamos a hablar con él.

  Let's talk to him.

• Salgamos esta noche. → Vamos a salir esta noche.

  Let's go out tonight.