Signification
To travel for leisure or relaxation.
Contexte culturel
The 'Operación Salida' is a famous cultural phenomenon in Spain where millions of people 'van de vacaciones' at the same time, usually on July 1st or August 1st, causing massive traffic jams. During 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week), it is extremely common for Mexicans to 'ir de vacaciones' to the coast, especially to places like Acapulco or Veracruz. Cities like Mexico City become unusually empty. In Argentina, 'ir de vacaciones' in January is the norm because it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Mar del Plata is the most iconic destination for middle-class families. Colombia has many 'puentes' (long weekends). People often say 'ir de vacaciones' even for these short 3-day trips to nearby 'tierras calientes' (warmer regions).
The 'De' Rule
Remember that many leisure activities in Spanish use 'Ir de...'. Ir de compras, ir de tapas, ir de vacaciones. Group them together in your mind!
Plurality
Even if you are only going away for one day, always use the plural 'vacaciones'. Using the singular sounds very unnatural.
Signification
To travel for leisure or relaxation.
The 'De' Rule
Remember that many leisure activities in Spanish use 'Ir de...'. Ir de compras, ir de tapas, ir de vacaciones. Group them together in your mind!
Plurality
Even if you are only going away for one day, always use the plural 'vacaciones'. Using the singular sounds very unnatural.
Small Talk Gold
In Spain, asking someone about their 'vacaciones' is the best way to build rapport. People love talking about their travel plans.
Teste-toi
Conjugate the verb 'ir' correctly in the present tense.
Este verano, mi familia y yo _______ de vacaciones a Italia.
'Mi familia y yo' is the same as 'nosotros', so we use 'vamos'.
Choose the correct preposition.
No puedo trabajar hoy, estoy _______ vacaciones.
The fixed phrase is 'estar de vacaciones' or 'ir de vacaciones'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: ¿Adónde vas este agosto? B: ______________________.
This uses the correct verb (ir), preposition (de), and destination marker (a).
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: '¡Me voy de vacaciones!'
This is an exclamation used when starting a holiday.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ir vs Estar
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEste verano, mi familia y yo _______ de vacaciones a Italia.
'Mi familia y yo' is the same as 'nosotros', so we use 'vamos'.
No puedo trabajar hoy, estoy _______ vacaciones.
The fixed phrase is 'estar de vacaciones' or 'ir de vacaciones'.
A: ¿Adónde vas este agosto? B: ______________________.
This uses the correct verb (ir), preposition (de), and destination marker (a).
Sentence: '¡Me voy de vacaciones!'
This is an exclamation used when starting a holiday.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's a common mistake. Always use 'de'.
'Viaje' is the journey/trip itself. 'Vacaciones' is the period of time off work.
In the phrase 'ir de vacaciones', you don't use 'las'. But if you say 'Las vacaciones son divertidas', you do.
Use 'Estar de vacaciones'. Example: 'Estoy de vacaciones'.
Always 'vacaciones' in standard Spanish.
Yes, but 'escapada' is more common for short trips.
There isn't a direct word, but you can say 'vacaciones en casa'.
It is neutral and can be used in any situation.
Use 'pasar'. Example: 'Pasé mis vacaciones en la playa'.
Yes, especially to ski resorts or to the Southern Hemisphere.
Expressions liées
Estar de vacaciones
similarTo be on vacation.
Tomarse un respiro
similarTo take a breather.
Hacer las maletas
builds onTo pack one's bags.
Veranear
specialized formTo spend the summer.
