aller — meaning in English: go

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for go

concurrence

main

cependant

aller

Skip this question

🎓

Learn French for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'aller' in everyday conversations to indicate movement or future actions. For instance, you might hear it when a friend asks if you're going to the café or when discussing future plans like saying, 'Je vais au cinéma' (I am going to the cinema).

Synonyms & nuances

'Aller' can be closely compared to 'se rendre' (to go) or 'partir' (to leave), but 'aller' is more commonly used in casual contexts. You might choose 'aller' for everyday scenarios, while 'se rendre' may sound more formal or literary.

Culture

'Aller' comes from the Latin 'ire,' meaning 'to go,' which shows its deep roots in the Romance languages. In French culture, 'aller' is not just about physical movement; it's also a key verb in forming the near future tense, making it essential for expressing plans and intentions. Fun fact: the phrase 'Ça va?' (How's it going?) uses 'aller' in a colloquial way, highlighting its versatility!

FAQ

Q.What does 'aller' mean in English?

'Aller' translates to 'go' in English and is used to express movement or a change of state. It's one of the most fundamental and frequently used verbs in French.

Q.How do you conjugate 'aller' in the present tense?

'Aller' is an irregular verb, and its present tense conjugation is: je vais, tu vas, il/elle/on va, nous allons, vous allez, ils/elles vont.

Q.Is 'aller' used only for physical movement?

'Aller' is primarily used for physical movement, but it also expresses future actions when combined with other verbs (e.g., 'Je vais manger' means 'I am going to eat').

Learn french with Maspeak →

2000 French Words