irse

Irse is a Spanish pronominal verb meaning to go away or to leave. It is used to indicate the action of departing from a place or a situation, and it often emphasizes the act of leaving rather than the destination. Beyond a simple movement, irse can convey nuance such as abruptness, evasion, or a change of circumstances.

Etymology and usage: Irse is formed from the verb ir together with the reflexive pronoun se, functioning as a pronominal verb. It is used with the appropriate reflexive forms me, te, se, nos, os, se. Common prepositions include de (to leave from) and a (to go to), and it can combine with other expressions like irse de viaje (to leave on a trip) or irse a otro lugar (to go to another place). The verb can also be used inset phrases to signal a departure from a situation or relationship.

Conjugation overview: Like ir, irse is irregular in many tenses, but it follows the pattern of adding the reflexive pronoun. Present: me voy, te vas, se va, nos vamos, os vais, se van. Preterite: me fui, te fuiste, se fue, nos fuimos, os fuisteis, se fueron. Imperfect: me iba, te ibas, se iba, nos íbamos, os ibais, se iban. Future: me iré, te irás, se irá, nos iremos, os iréis, se irán. Subjunctive present: me vaya, te vayas, se vaya, nos vayamos, os vayáis, se vayan. Gerund: yéndose. Past participle: ido. Compound forms use haber ido, as in se ha ido.

Usage notes: Distinguish irse from salir; salir is simply to go out, while irse emphasizes the act of leaving a place or circumstance. Imperatives vary: tú vete; usted váyase; vosotros idos; ustedes váyanse; negative forms include no te vayas and no os vayáis.

Examples: Me voy a casa. Se fue sin decir adiós. ¿Dónde se fue? No te vayas todavía.