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Mexican Spanish grammar · A1

Expressing 'Let's'

Alexander StebnerCreator of Lingora · Updated 14 October 20262 min readComments

To express an invitation or suggestion like "Let's...", you can use the `nosotros` (we) command form. This form is identical to the `nosotros` form of the present subjunctive.

The general rule is to use the "opposite" vowel of the verb's infinitive ending.

  • For verbs ending in -ar, the ending becomes -emos.
  • For verbs ending in -er and -ir, the ending becomes -amos.

  • Caminemos por el Zócalo.

    Let's walk through the Zócalo.

  • Comamos en el mercado.

    Let's eat at the market.

  • Abramos las ventanas.

    Let's open the windows.

01

Common Irregular Verbs

Several high-frequency verbs have irregular forms that must be memorized.

  • → (Let's be)
  • → (Let's go)
  • → (Let's give)
  • → (Let's be)
  • → (Let's know)

  • Seamos pacientes.

    Let's be patient.

  • Demos un paseo.

    Let's take a walk.

02

Stem-Changing Verbs

Stem-changing verbs follow specific patterns in this form.

For -ar and -er verbs, the stem does not change in the `nosotros` form.

  • Pensemos en un plan.

    Let's think of a plan. (from pensar: e→ie)

  • Volvamos más tarde.

    Let's come back later. (from volver: o→ue)

For -ir verbs, the stem vowel undergoes a simplified change: e→i or o→u.

  • Pidamos la cuenta.

    Let's ask for the bill. (from pedir: e→i)

  • Durmamos ocho horas.

    Let's sleep for eight hours. (from dormir: o→ue becomes o→u)

03

A Common Alternative: 'Vamos a' + Infinitive

In everyday spoken Spanish, particularly in Mexico, it is extremely common to use the structure + infinitive to mean "Let's...". This is often preferred as a more conversational alternative to the command form.

  • Vamos a cenar tacos.

    Let's have tacos for dinner.

  • Vamos a ver qué pasa.

    Let's see what happens.

For the verb (to go), the simple present form is almost always used for "Let's go" instead of the more formal .

  • Vamos a la fiesta.

    Let's go to the party.

04

Using Pronouns with 'Let's'

When adding object or reflexive pronouns, their placement changes depending on the command.

Affirmative Commands

Attach the pronoun to the end of the conjugated verb. You may need to add a written accent to maintain the original stress.

  • Comprémoslo ahora.

    Let's buy it now.

  • Digámoselo.

    Let's tell it to him/her.

When attaching the pronoun , the final -s of the verb is dropped.

  • Sentémonos aquí.

    Let's sit here. (from sentemos + nos)

  • Vámonos.

    Let's go / Let's leave. (from vamos + nos)

Negative Commands

For negative suggestions ("Let's not..."), the pronoun is placed before the verb.

  • No lo compremos.

    Let's not buy it.

  • No nos sentemos ahí.

    Let's not sit there.

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