vai — visual vocabulary card
B1 verb #2 最常用 11分钟阅读

vai

At the A1 level, 'vai' is introduced as the basic way to say 'he/she goes' or 'you go'. Students learn it as part of the present tense of the verb 'ir'. The focus is on physical movement to places like 'a escola' (the school), 'o mercado' (the market), or 'a casa' (the house). Learners are taught to pair 'vai' with the preposition 'a' or 'para'. At this stage, it is also used for the very simplest future plans, like 'Ele vai comer' (He is going to eat). The goal is to recognize the word in simple sentences and use it to describe daily routines and immediate intentions. Pronunciation is key here, ensuring the 'ai' sound is a single diphthong. Learners also learn 'Como vai?' as a standard greeting meaning 'How are you?'. This level builds the foundation for all future uses of the verb.
At the A2 level, the use of 'vai' expands to include more complex future constructions and a wider range of destinations. Learners begin to distinguish between 'ir a' (temporary) and 'ir para' (permanent). They also start using 'vai' with 'você' and 'a gente' more naturally. The 'Immediate Future' (vai + infinitive) becomes a primary tool for conversation, allowing students to talk about their weekend plans, travel, and work. They also learn common fixed expressions like 'vai dar certo' (it will work out) and 'vai embora' (to leave). A2 students should be able to form negative sentences ('Ele não vai') and questions ('Você vai?') with ease. They also begin to encounter 'vai' in simple imperatives and cheers, such as during sports events.
At the B1 level, 'vai' is used with much more nuance. Learners are expected to use it as an auxiliary verb fluently, often replacing the formal future tense entirely in speech. They start to understand its use in expressing probability or 'maybe' (e.g., 'Vai ver que ele se atrasou'). B1 students also learn to use 'vai' in more complex sentence structures, including those with object pronouns (e.g., 'Ele vai me ligar'). They become aware of regional differences, such as the preference for 'ir no' in Brazil versus 'ir ao' in Portugal. The use of 'vai' in idiomatic expressions like 'vai que' (what if) is introduced. At this stage, 'vai' is not just a verb of motion but a versatile tool for expressing modality, intention, and hypothetical situations.
At the B2 level, students explore the more abstract and literary uses of 'vai'. They might encounter 'vai' in the passive voice or in impersonal constructions like 'Vai-se o tempo' (Time goes by). They understand the subtle differences in register between using 'vai' + infinitive and the synthetic future in writing. B2 learners can use 'vai' to describe processes or the progression of events in a more sophisticated way. They are also familiar with a wide range of idioms and slang involving 'vai', such as 'vai catar coquinho' (go away/get lost). They can handle 'vai' in complex conditional sentences and understand its role in narrative tenses. Their use of prepositions with 'vai' is precise, and they can code-switch between formal and informal registers effectively.
At the C1 level, 'vai' is used with the precision of a native speaker. The learner understands the deep historical roots of the verb and how it interacts with other verbs of motion. They can use 'vai' in highly idiomatic, culturally specific ways that reflect a deep immersion in the language. C1 students recognize the use of 'vai' in classical literature and can analyze how its meaning has shifted over time. They are comfortable with all regional variations and can use 'vai' to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as irony, sarcasm, or extreme urgency. They also understand the use of 'vai' in legal or academic contexts, where it might appear in fixed formulas. Their command of the verb is effortless, allowing them to focus on the content of their speech rather than the mechanics of the conjugation.
At the C2 level, the mastery of 'vai' is absolute. The speaker can use the verb to play with the language, creating puns, metaphors, and complex rhetorical structures. They have a complete grasp of the verb's etymology from the Latin 'vadere' and how it merged with 'ire' and 'esse'. C2 speakers can navigate the most obscure dialects and archaic uses of 'vai' found in historical texts. They can use 'vai' to express the finest nuances of philosophical thought or poetic expression. In professional settings, they use 'vai' (or its formal alternatives) with perfect appropriateness for the audience. For a C2 learner, 'vai' is no longer a 'word to be learned' but a fundamental element of their expressive toolkit, used with total spontaneity and cultural resonance.

vai 30秒了解

  • 'Vai' is the 3rd person singular of 'ir' (to go), used for 'he', 'she', 'it', and 'you' (você).
  • It is the primary auxiliary verb used to form the future tense in spoken Portuguese (vai + infinitive).
  • It can function as a command or encouragement, similar to 'Go!' or 'Come on!' in English.
  • It appears in many common idioms like 'vai dar certo' (it will work out) and 'vai que' (what if).
The Portuguese word vai is one of the most versatile and essential components of the Portuguese language. At its most fundamental level, it is the third-person singular present indicative form of the irregular verb ir, which means 'to go'. This means it translates directly to 'he goes', 'she goes', 'it goes', or 'you (formal) go'. However, its utility extends far beyond simple movement from point A to point B. In the landscape of modern Portuguese, especially in Brazilian Portuguese, vai serves as the primary auxiliary verb for expressing the future. Instead of using the complex synthetic future tense (like irá), speakers almost exclusively use the compound future: vai + infinitive. For example, 'ele vai comer' means 'he is going to eat'. This construction is ubiquitous in daily conversation, making vai a cornerstone of communicative competence.
Movement
The physical act of traveling or heading toward a destination. Example: 'Ela vai à escola' (She goes to school).
Future Intent
Acting as an auxiliary to indicate an action that will happen soon. Example: 'Ele vai viajar' (He is going to travel).
Imperative/Encouragement
Used as a command or a cheer. Example: 'Vai, Brasil!' (Go, Brazil!).
Beyond these, vai appears in numerous idiomatic expressions. It can express probability, such as in 'vai ver que...' (maybe..., literally 'go see that...'), or describe the progression of time and events. Understanding vai requires recognizing that it is highly irregular. While regular verbs follow predictable patterns, the verb ir changes significantly across tenses, but vai remains a stable anchor in the present tense. It is also used to address 'você' (you), which is the standard way to say 'you' in Brazil and increasingly common in Portugal in informal settings. Thus, whenever you are talking to someone or about someone in the present or near future, vai is likely to be your go-to verb.

O ônibus vai passar agora.

In social contexts, vai can also signal the start of an action or a transition. In a meeting, someone might say 'A gente vai começar' (We are going to start), using the third-person singular 'vai' because 'a gente' (we) grammatically functions as a singular subject. This nuance is vital for learners to grasp: the verb must agree with the grammatical subject, not necessarily the number of people involved. Furthermore, in the digital age, vai is used in user interfaces, like 'Vai' for 'Go' or 'Submit'. Its brevity and clarity make it perfect for fast-paced communication. Whether you are ordering a coffee, planning your next vacation, or cheering for your favorite team, vai is the linguistic engine that drives the sentence forward. It encapsulates movement, intention, and the very flow of life in the Lusophone world. Mastering its use allows you to transition from robotic, textbook Portuguese to the fluid, natural rhythm used by native speakers every day.
Using vai correctly involves understanding its two primary roles: as a main verb of motion and as an auxiliary verb for the future. As a main verb, it follows the structure: [Subject] + vai + [Preposition] + [Destination]. For instance, 'O João vai ao cinema' (João goes to the cinema). Here, 'ao' is the contraction of the preposition 'a' and the article 'o'. If the destination is feminine, like 'praia' (beach), it becomes 'à praia'. In Brazil, it is very common to hear 'vai para o' or the shortened 'vai pro'.
Main Verb (Motion)
Focuses on the destination. 'Ela vai para o Rio de Janeiro amanhã' (She goes/is going to Rio de Janeiro tomorrow).
Auxiliary Verb (Future)
Focuses on the action. 'Você vai entender tudo' (You are going to understand everything).
When using vai as an auxiliary, the second verb must always be in the infinitive form (the form ending in -ar, -er, or -ir). This is the 'Immediate Future' (Futuro Próximo). It is much more common than the 'Simple Future' (Futuro do Presente) in spoken language. For example, instead of saying 'Ele estudará' (He will study), most people say 'Ele vai estudar'. This makes learning Portuguese much easier, as you only need to conjugate the verb ir and keep the main verb in its base form.

Quem vai pagar a conta hoje?

Another important aspect is the use of vai with the pronoun 'você'. In Brazil, 'você' is the standard second-person pronoun, but it uses third-person verb conjugations. Therefore, 'you go' is 'você vai'. In Portugal, 'tu' is more common for friends and family, which would use 'vais', but 'você vai' is still used in formal or semi-formal situations. Negative sentences are formed by placing 'não' before vai. 'Ela não vai trabalhar hoje' (She is not going to work today). For emphasis, Brazilians sometimes repeat the verb at the end: 'Ela não vai, não' (She is not going, no). Furthermore, vai can be used in the passive voice or impersonal constructions, though this is more advanced. For example, 'Vai-se a esperança' (Hope goes away/is lost). In everyday speech, you will also see vai used to describe how something is progressing: 'Como vai o trabalho?' (How is work going?). This mirrors the English 'How is it going?'.

Tudo vai dar certo no final.

Finally, consider the placement of object pronouns. In 'Ele vai me ajudar' (He is going to help me), the pronoun 'me' usually comes before the infinitive in Brazil, but after the auxiliary in some formal contexts or in Portugal ('Ele vai-me ajudar'). Understanding these variations helps in recognizing the word in different regional dialects. Whether you are stating a fact, asking a question, or making a plan, vai is the flexible tool you need to build clear and effective Portuguese sentences.
The word vai is inescapable in the Portuguese-speaking world. You will hear it the moment you step off a plane in Lisbon, Luanda, or São Paulo. In airports and train stations, announcements frequently use it: 'O voo vai partir do portão dez' (The flight is going to depart from gate ten). It is the language of logistics and schedules. In the streets, you will hear it in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Street vendors might shout 'Vai levar?' (Are you going to take [it]?) to potential customers. In restaurants, a waiter might ask 'O que o senhor vai pedir?' (What are you going to order, sir?).
In Sports
Fans scream 'Vai!' to encourage players to run or score. It is the equivalent of 'Go!' or 'Come on!'.
In Pop Culture
Songs are filled with 'vai'. Think of Anitta's hit 'Vai Malandra'. Here, it acts as a rhythmic imperative, urging action and movement.
In the Workplace
Managers use it to outline plans: 'A nossa equipe vai focar em vendas' (Our team is going to focus on sales).
On television, news anchors use vai to introduce upcoming segments: 'A seguir, você vai ver as notícias do tempo' (Next, you will see the weather news). It is also the language of weather forecasts: 'Vai chover amanhã' (It is going to rain tomorrow). In Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas), characters use vai to express drama and intention: 'Eu não vou deixar isso acontecer!' (I am not going to let this happen!). Note that 'vou' is the first-person version, but 'vai' is used whenever they talk about others.

A gente vai se falando, tchau!

You will also hear vai in religious contexts, such as 'Vai com Deus' (Go with God), a very common way to say goodbye and wish someone safety. In social media, 'Vai dar bom' (It's going to be good/successful) is a popular slang phrase. Even in technical settings, 'O sistema vai reiniciar' (The system is going to restart) is standard. The word's frequency is so high because it bridges the gap between the present and the future, the physical and the metaphorical. It is the sound of progress, movement, and the unfolding of time. Whether it is a mother telling her child 'Vai dormir' (Go to sleep) or a friend asking 'Vai fazer o quê?' (What are you going to do?), vai is the heartbeat of Portuguese conversation. It is simple, powerful, and universally understood across all Lusophone countries, from the islands of Cape Verde to the mountains of Timor-Leste.
Despite its simplicity, vai can be a source of confusion for English speakers. The most common mistake is confusing 'vai' (goes/is going) with 'vem' (comes/is coming). In English, we often say 'I'm coming!' when we are actually 'going' toward someone. In Portuguese, you must use 'ir' if you are moving away from your current location. If you are at home and going to a party, you say 'Eu vou' (I go). If you are already at the party and someone asks if you are arriving, you say 'Eu venho' (I come).
Preposition Errors
Using 'em' instead of 'a' or 'para'. Correct: 'Vai ao banco'. Incorrect: 'Vai no banco' (though 'no' is common in informal Brazilian speech, 'ao' is grammatically correct for movement).
Subject-Verb Agreement
Using 'vai' with 'nós'. Correct: 'Nós vamos'. Incorrect: 'Nós vai' (this is considered very non-standard/uneducated slang).
Future Tense Confusion
Forgetting the infinitive. Correct: 'Ele vai comer'. Incorrect: 'Ele vai come'.
Another mistake involves the difference between 'ir a' and 'ir para'. 'Ir a' implies a short stay or a quick return, like 'Vou ao supermercado'. 'Ir para' implies a longer stay or a more permanent destination, like 'Vou para a Europa'. Using them interchangeably is usually understood but can sound slightly 'off' to native ears.

Errado: Ele vai na festa.
Certo: Ele vai à festa.

Learners also struggle with the pronunciation of 'vai'. It is a diphthong, sounding like 'vye' (rhyming with 'buy' or 'sky'). Some beginners try to pronounce it as two syllables ('va-i'), but it should be a single, smooth sound. Additionally, don't confuse vai with 'vão' (they go). 'Eles vão' is plural, while 'Ele vai' is singular. Finally, be careful with the expression 'Vai que...'. It means 'What if...' or 'Just in case...', and it's followed by the subjunctive or a hypothetical scenario. For example, 'Vai que chove' (What if it rains?). Using it as 'Go that' would be a literal translation error. By paying attention to these nuances—prepositions, agreement, and idiomatic logic—you can avoid the pitfalls that often trip up intermediate learners and speak with greater precision and confidence.
While vai is the most common way to express 'goes', there are several alternatives depending on the context and level of formality. If you want to sound more precise or sophisticated, you might choose a different verb. For example, dirigir-se means 'to head toward' or 'to address oneself to'. Instead of 'Ele vai ao escritório', you could say 'Ele se dirige ao escritório', which sounds more formal and intentional.
Partir
To depart or leave. Use this when the focus is on the exit. 'O trem parte às oito' (The train departs at eight).
Caminhar / Andar
To walk. Use these when the mode of transport is on foot. 'Ele caminha até o trabalho' (He walks to work).
Seguir
To follow or continue. 'A estrada segue pelo vale' (The road goes/continues through the valley).
In the context of the future tense, there is no real alternative to vai in informal speech, but in formal writing, the synthetic future is used. Instead of 'O governo vai investir', a newspaper might write 'O governo investirá'. This is an important distinction for B1 learners: use vai to speak, but recognize the -á endings in literature or formal documents.

Ele vai embora. (He is going away/leaving.)
Ele se retira. (He withdraws/leaves - more formal.)

For expressing probability, you can replace 'vai' with 'deve' (must/should). 'Ele vai chegar logo' (He's going to arrive soon) vs 'Ele deve chegar logo' (He should arrive soon). If you are talking about a mechanism or a process, 'funciona' (works/functions) might be better. 'O relógio vai bem' (The clock goes/runs well) can be replaced by 'O relógio funciona bem'. Finally, in slang, especially in Brazil, you might hear 'partiu' used as an invitation to go somewhere. 'Partiu praia?' (Shall we go to the beach?). While 'vai' is the workhorse of the language, expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives will make your Portuguese sound more nuanced, professional, and authentic to the specific situation you are in.

How Formal Is It?

正式

"O projeto vai ao encontro das diretrizes da empresa."

中性

"Ele vai ao cinema com os amigos."

非正式

"A gente vai se falando pelo WhatsApp."

Child friendly

"O coelhinho vai pular no jardim!"

俚语

"Vai dar bom, pode confiar!"

趣味小知识

The Portuguese verb 'ir' is a 'suppletive' verb, meaning its different tenses come from three different Latin verbs: 'ire', 'vadere', and 'esse'. 'Vai' comes from 'vadere'.

发音指南

UK /vaɪ/
US /vaɪ/
The word is a monosyllable, so the stress is on the entire word.
押韵词
pai (father) sai (leaves) cai (falls) uai (interjection) mais (more - in some dialects) atrás (behind - in some dialects) paz (peace - in some dialects) faz (does)
常见错误
  • Pronouncing it as two syllables (va-i).
  • Pronouncing the 'v' as a 'b' (common for Spanish speakers).
  • Making the 'i' too long, like 'vahy-ee'.

难度评级

阅读 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is short and frequent.

写作 2/5

Requires knowledge of irregular verb conjugation and prepositions.

口语 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but choosing the right preposition (a/para) takes practice.

听力 1/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.

接下来学什么

前置知识

ir eu você casa escola

接下来学习

vou vamos vão fui irá

高级

partir dirigir-se prosseguir futuro do presente subjuntivo

需要掌握的语法

Immediate Future

Subject + vai + infinitive (Ele vai estudar).

Preposition Contraction

ir + a + o = ao; ir + a + a = à.

Subject-Verb Agreement

'A gente' always takes the 3rd person singular (vai).

Movement vs. Location

Use 'ir' (vai) for movement, 'estar' for location.

Imperative Mood

'Vai' can be used as an informal command (Tu vai! - though 'vai' is technically 3rd person).

按水平分级的例句

1

Ele vai ao mercado.

He goes to the market.

'Vai' is the 3rd person singular of 'ir'. 'Ao' is 'a' + 'o'.

2

Ela vai para casa.

She goes home.

'Para' indicates a destination.

3

Você vai estudar?

Are you going to study?

'Vai' + infinitive forms the future.

4

O trem vai agora.

The train goes now.

Present tense indicating immediate action.

5

Como vai você?

How are you?

Fixed expression for greeting.

6

Ele vai de ônibus.

He goes by bus.

'De' indicates the mode of transport.

7

A menina vai à escola.

The girl goes to school.

'À' is the contraction of 'a' + 'a'.

8

O gato vai para o jardim.

The cat goes to the garden.

Subject-verb agreement with 'o gato'.

1

A gente vai viajar amanhã.

We are going to travel tomorrow.

'A gente' takes the singular verb 'vai'.

2

Ele vai comprar um carro novo.

He is going to buy a new car.

Future intent with 'vai' + infinitive.

3

Ela vai ao médico às dez horas.

She goes to the doctor at ten o'clock.

Scheduled action in the present.

4

Você vai à festa do João?

Are you going to João's party?

Question using 'você vai'.

5

O tempo vai ficar bom.

The weather is going to be good.

'Vai' used for weather predictions.

6

Ele vai embora cedo hoje.

He is leaving early today.

'Ir embora' means 'to leave'.

7

Tudo vai dar certo.

Everything is going to work out.

Common idiomatic expression.

8

Ela vai para a academia todo dia.

She goes to the gym every day.

Habitual action in the present.

1

Vai ver que ele esqueceu o compromisso.

Maybe he forgot the appointment.

'Vai ver que' expresses probability.

2

O que você vai fazer se chover?

What are you going to do if it rains?

Future plan in a conditional context.

3

Ele vai me explicar o problema depois.

He is going to explain the problem to me later.

Object pronoun 'me' before the infinitive.

4

A economia vai crescer este ano.

The economy is going to grow this year.

Auxiliary 'vai' in a formal/news context.

5

Vai que a gente ganha na loteria!

What if we win the lottery!

'Vai que' means 'what if' or 'just in case'.

6

Ela vai se formar na universidade em junho.

She is going to graduate from university in June.

Reflexive verb 'formar-se' with 'vai'.

7

Onde é que você vai com tanta pressa?

Where are you going in such a hurry?

Emphatic question with 'é que'.

8

Isso não vai levar a lugar nenhum.

This is not going to lead anywhere.

Metaphorical use of 'vai' for progression.

1

Vai-se a juventude, mas fica a sabedoria.

Youth goes away, but wisdom remains.

Impersonal/literary use of 'vai-se'.

2

Ele vai direto ao assunto sem rodeios.

He goes straight to the point without beating around the bush.

Idiomatic use of 'vai direto'.

3

A situação vai de mal a pior.

The situation is going from bad to worse.

Fixed expression for declining situations.

4

Vai saber o que ele está pensando agora.

Who knows what he is thinking now.

'Vai saber' means 'who knows' or 'it's hard to tell'.

5

O projeto vai ser implementado em fases.

The project is going to be implemented in phases.

Passive voice construction with 'vai ser'.

6

Ela vai contra todas as expectativas.

She goes against all expectations.

'Ir contra' means to oppose or defy.

7

Vai por mim, essa é a melhor escolha.

Take my word for it, this is the best choice.

'Vai por mim' is an idiom for 'trust me'.

8

O caminho vai serpenteando pela montanha.

The path goes winding through the mountain.

Present participle 'serpenteando' with 'vai' for continuous action.

1

A discussão vai longe se não pararmos agora.

The discussion will go on for a long time if we don't stop now.

'Vai longe' implies duration or extension.

2

Vai que ele resolve aparecer de surpresa.

Supposing he decides to show up by surprise.

Subtle use of 'vai que' for hypothetical scenarios.

3

O seu talento vai além do que imaginávamos.

Your talent goes beyond what we imagined.

'Vai além' for exceeding limits.

4

A vida vai tecendo seus próprios caminhos.

Life goes on weaving its own paths.

Poetic use of 'vai' + gerund.

5

Vai-se um sonho, nasce uma realidade.

A dream goes away, a reality is born.

Stylistic inversion of subject and verb.

6

Ele vai de encontro aos nossos princípios.

He goes against our principles.

'Ir de encontro a' means to collide or oppose.

7

A proposta vai ao encontro das nossas necessidades.

The proposal meets our needs.

'Ir ao encontro de' means to agree or satisfy.

8

Vai entender a cabeça desses políticos!

Go figure the minds of those politicians!

Exclamatory 'vai' expressing disbelief.

1

A nau vai singrando os mares desconhecidos.

The ship goes sailing through unknown seas.

Archaic/literary vocabulary with 'vai'.

2

Vai-se o homem, fica a obra.

The man passes away, the work remains.

Philosophical aphorism.

3

O discurso vai eivado de segundas intenções.

The speech is full of ulterior motives.

Highly formal/literary use of 'vai' as 'is'.

4

A trama vai se adensando a cada capítulo.

The plot thickens with every chapter.

Reflexive 'se' with 'vai' for progressive intensity.

5

Vai buscar lã e volta tosquiado.

He goes to get wool and comes back shorn (The biter bit).

Traditional proverb.

6

A lei vai de encontro ao clamor popular.

The law goes against the popular outcry.

Precise use of 'de encontro a' in legal/social context.

7

O rio vai fustigando as margens com fúria.

The river goes lashing the banks with fury.

Evocative, high-level descriptive language.

8

Vai que a sorte lhe sorria um dia.

Perhaps luck will smile upon him one day.

Subjunctive mood implied in a wishful 'vai que'.

常见搭配

vai ao
vai para
vai dar
vai ser
vai ter
vai fazer
vai embora
vai bem
vai mal
vai passar

常用短语

Como vai?

Vai dar certo.

Vai com Deus.

Vai saber.

Vai ver que...

O tempo vai dizer.

Vai por mim.

Lá vai.

Vai que cola.

Vai e volta.

容易混淆的词

vai vs vem

'Vem' means 'comes'. Use 'vai' when moving away from the speaker.

vai vs vão

'Vão' is plural (they go). 'Vai' is singular (he/she goes).

vai vs vai-te

In Portugal, 'vai-te' is the imperative for 'tu', whereas 'vai' is for 'você'.

习语与表达

"Vai catar coquinho"

A mildly rude way to tell someone to go away or stop bothering you.

Não me amole, vai catar coquinho!

informal

"Vai de mal a pior"

To describe a situation that is steadily getting worse.

A economia do país vai de mal a pior.

neutral

"Vai fundo"

To encourage someone to pursue something with full energy; 'Go for it'.

Se você quer o emprego, vai fundo!

informal

"Vai que vai"

To keep going despite difficulties; to proceed steadily.

O projeto está difícil, mas vai que vai.

informal

"Vai nessa"

Often used sarcastically to mean 'Keep dreaming' or 'Don't count on it'.

Você acha que vai ganhar? Vai nessa!

slang

"Vai com as outras"

Refers to a person who has no opinion of their own and follows the crowd.

Ele não tem personalidade, Maria vai com as outras.

informal

"Vai dar o que falar"

Something that will cause a lot of gossip or discussion.

Essa festa ainda vai dar o que falar.

informal

"Vai pela sombra"

A humorous or friendly way to say goodbye; 'Stay in the shade'.

Até logo, vai pela sombra!

informal

"Vai-se o anel, ficam os dedos"

An idiom meaning that even if you lose something valuable, the most important thing remains.

Perdi o carro, mas estou vivo. Vai-se o anel, ficam os dedos.

neutral

"Vai dar pano para manga"

Something that will result in a long and complicated story or discussion.

Essa briga ainda vai dar pano para manga.

informal

容易混淆

vai vs vem

Both involve movement.

'Vai' is movement away; 'vem' is movement toward.

Ele vai para lá, mas ela vem para cá.

vai vs vão

They sound similar to beginners.

'Vai' is singular; 'vão' is plural.

Ele vai sozinho, mas eles vão juntos.

vai vs vou

Both are forms of 'ir'.

'Vou' is 1st person (I); 'vai' is 3rd person (he/she).

Eu vou agora, e ele vai depois.

vai vs foi

Both are forms of 'ir'.

'Foi' is past tense (went); 'vai' is present/future.

Ele foi ontem, mas vai de novo hoje.

vai vs vão (noun)

Identical spelling to the plural verb.

As a noun, 'vão' means 'void' or 'gap'.

O esforço foi em vão (in vain).

句型

A1

[Subject] vai [Preposition] [Place].

Maria vai ao parque.

A1

[Subject] vai [Infinitive].

Ele vai comer.

A2

A gente vai [Infinitive].

A gente vai dançar.

A2

[Subject] vai embora.

Eu já vai embora (Incorrect, should be 'Ele já vai').

B1

Vai ver que [Sentence].

Vai ver que ele se perdeu.

B1

[Subject] vai me [Infinitive].

Ela vai me ligar.

B2

Vai-se [Subject].

Vai-se a oportunidade.

C1

Vai que [Subjunctive/Hypothetical].

Vai que ele não goste.

词族

名词

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frequency

Extremely high; among the top 20 most used words in Portuguese.

常见错误
  • Ele vai em o mercado. Ele vai ao mercado.

    The verb 'ir' requires the preposition 'a', which contracts with 'o' to become 'ao'.

  • Nós vai ao cinema. Nós vamos ao cinema.

    'Nós' requires the plural conjugation 'vamos'. 'Vai' is singular.

  • Eu vai estudar amanhã. Eu vou estudar amanhã.

    'Eu' (I) requires the conjugation 'vou'. 'Vai' is for he/she/you.

  • Ele vai come agora. Ele vai comer agora.

    When using 'vai' as an auxiliary, the second verb must be in the infinitive (comer).

  • Vem aqui! (when you mean 'Go there!') Vai lá!

    'Vem' is for coming toward the speaker; 'vai' is for going away.

小贴士

Future Tense Shortcut

Instead of learning all future tense conjugations, just use 'vai' + the infinitive of any verb. It works for almost every situation in spoken Portuguese.

Sound Like a Brazilian

Use 'a gente vai' instead of 'nós vamos'. It is the most natural way to say 'we are going' in Brazil.

Direction Matters

Always use 'vai' if you are heading away from where you are now. If you say 'vem' when you mean 'go', it will confuse people.

Stay Positive

Memorize 'Vai dar certo'. It is the ultimate Portuguese phrase for encouragement and optimism.

One Sound

Don't separate the 'a' and 'i'. Slide them together quickly to make a single diphthong.

Preposition Choice

In casual Brazilian speech, people often say 'vai no' instead of 'vai ao'. Both are understood, but 'ao' is better for writing.

Listen for the Infinitive

When you hear 'vai', listen for the next word. If it ends in -ar, -er, or -ir, you know they are talking about the future.

Formal vs Informal

In a formal essay, use 'irá' (he will go). In an email to a friend, 'vai' is much better.

Greeting Response

If someone asks 'Como vai?', you can simply answer 'Vou bem, e você?'.

Don't Overuse 'Will'

English speakers often try to translate 'will' literally. In Portuguese, 'vai' is much more common for the future.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'V' shape pointing forward. 'Vai' starts with 'V' and means you are moving forward to a destination.

视觉联想

Imagine a green 'GO' traffic light with the word 'VAI' written on it.

Word Web

ir futuro movimento você direção partir chegar caminho

挑战

Try to use 'vai' in three different ways today: once for movement, once for a future plan, and once as an encouragement.

词源

Derived from the Latin 'vadit', which is the third-person singular present indicative of 'vadere' (to go, to walk, to hasten).

原始含义: To walk or to advance.

Romance (Indo-European).

文化背景

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'vai catar coquinho' can be dismissive.

English speakers often over-rely on the synthetic future (will), whereas Portuguese speakers prefer 'vai' (going to).

'Vai Malandra' by Anitta (Song) 'Vai dar certo' (Popular Brazilian meme/mantra) 'Tudo vai passar' (Common religious/philosophical sentiment)

在生活中练习

真实语境

Travel

  • Vai para onde?
  • Vai de avião?
  • Vai demorar?
  • Vai dar tempo?

Shopping

  • Quanto vai custar?
  • Vai levar este?
  • Vai pagar como?
  • Vai ter desconto?

Work

  • O chefe vai chegar.
  • Vai ter reunião.
  • Quem vai fazer isso?
  • A empresa vai crescer.

Socializing

  • Você vai na festa?
  • Vai ser legal!
  • A gente vai se ver?
  • Vai beber o quê?

Weather

  • Vai chover.
  • Vai fazer sol.
  • Vai esfriar.
  • Vai ventar.

对话开场白

"O que você vai fazer no próximo final de semana?"

"Para onde você vai nas suas próximas férias?"

"Você acha que vai chover hoje à tarde?"

"Quem você acha que vai ganhar o jogo amanhã?"

"Como vai a sua família e o seu trabalho?"

日记主题

Escreva sobre um lugar para onde você vai sempre.

O que você vai fazer para melhorar o seu português este mês?

Descreva uma viagem que você vai fazer no futuro.

Imagine que tudo vai dar certo na sua vida. Como ela seria?

O que vai mudar no mundo nos próximos dez anos?

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, in Brazil 'você vai' is the standard way to say 'you go'. In Portugal, it is used formally.

You use 'Eu vou'. 'Vai' is only for he, she, it, or you (você).

Yes, when followed by another verb, it acts like 'will' or 'going to' (e.g., vai chover = it will rain).

'Vai a' is for a short visit; 'vai para' is for a long stay or permanent destination.

Yes, it comes from the verb 'ir', which is one of the most irregular verbs in Portuguese.

Yes, 'Vai!' means 'Go!' or 'Move!'.

It means 'it will work out' or 'everything will be okay'.

It rhymes with the English word 'buy'. It is one syllable.

Yes, it is very common and means 'we go', but it uses the singular verb 'vai'.

It means 'what if' or 'just in case' (e.g., Vai que chove = What if it rains).

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'He is going to the park.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'She is going to study tomorrow.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'a gente vai'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Everything will work out.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'What are you going to do?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'vai embora' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Maybe he forgot.' (using 'vai ver que')

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Trust me, it's good.' (using 'vai por mim')

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a question asking 'How is it going?'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'It is going to rain.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Who is going to pay?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'He is going to help me.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Go with God.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'vai' as a command.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The train is going to leave.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'What if it doesn't work?' (using 'vai que')

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'She goes to the gym every day.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'He goes straight to the point.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Time goes by.' (literary)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Go for it!'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'He goes to school' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Everything will be fine' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Ask 'How are you?' using 'vai'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'I'm going to travel' using 'a gente'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'It's going to rain' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Go away!' informally.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Trust me' using 'vai'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Maybe he's late' using 'vai ver que'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Who knows?' using 'vai'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Go, Brazil!' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'He's going to help me' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'The train is going to leave' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'What are you going to do?' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'It's going to be great' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'He goes straight to the point' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Go with God' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'What if it works?' using 'vai que'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'She goes to the gym' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Time goes by' in a poetic way.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Go for it!' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the verb: 'Ele vai ao banco.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the future action: 'Ela vai estudar amanhã.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the subject: 'A gente vai viajar.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Is the speaker talking about the past or future? 'Vai chover.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

What is the destination? 'Ele vai para Lisboa.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Is this a command? 'Vai agora!'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

What is the idiom? 'Vai dar certo.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the preposition: 'Ela vai à praia.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

What is the auxiliary verb? 'Você vai comer?'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Is the speaker optimistic? 'Vai dar bom.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

What is being suggested? 'Vai ver que ele esqueceu.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the pronoun: 'Ele vai me ligar.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Is this formal or informal? 'A gente vai.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

What is the verb of motion? 'O trem vai partir.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Identify the greeting: 'Como vai?'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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