Usage and meanings of the near future

The Spanish near future tense (futuro próximo) helps you express actions that will happen in the immediate future. Similar to English’s “going to + verb” construction, this tense lets you communicate plans, intentions, and predictions about upcoming events.

Formation

To create the near future tense, you need three elements:

  1. The present tense of ir (to go)
  2. The preposition a
  3. An infinitive verb

Here’s how to conjugate ir in the present tense:

PersonSingularPlural
Iyo voynosotros/as vamos
You (informal)tú vasvosotros/as vais
He/She/You (formal)él/ella/usted vaellos/ellas/ustedes van
Wenosotros/as vamosnosotros/as vamos
You all (informal)vosotros/as vaisvosotros/as vais
They/You all (formal)ellos/ellas/ustedes vanellos/ellas/ustedes van

Common Uses

Immediate Plans and Intentions

When expressing what you or others plan to do soon:

  • “Voy a comprar una casa nueva” (I’m going to buy a new house)
  • “María va a comenzar un nuevo trabajo” (María is going to start a new job)

Near Future Predictions

For events you believe will happen soon:

  • “Va a nevar esta noche” (It’s going to snow tonight)
  • “El equipo va a ganar el partido” (The team is going to win the match)

Imminent Actions

For actions about to happen:

  • “Voy a dormir” (I’m going to sleep)
  • “Va a empezar la película” (The movie is going to start)

Real-Life Applications

At Restaurants

  • Ordering: “Voy a pedir la sopa” (I’m going to order the soup)
  • Asking others: “¿Qué vas a tomar?” (What are you going to have?)

Social Plans

  • Making arrangements: “Vamos a celebrar mi cumpleaños” (We’re going to celebrate my birthday)
  • Invitations: “¿Van a venir a la fiesta?” (Are you all going to come to the party?)

Weather Discussions

  • Temperature: “Va a hacer calor mañana” (It’s going to be hot tomorrow)
  • Conditions: “Van a caer tormentas esta tarde” (There are going to be storms this afternoon)

Cultural Notes

The near future tense is particularly common in Latin American Spanish, where you’ll hear it frequently in both casual and formal settings. It conveys more immediacy and certainty than the simple future tense, making it ideal for expressing definite plans or highly probable outcomes.

While similar to English’s “going to” construction, Spanish speakers use the near future more frequently in everyday conversation. You’ll often hear it in casual chats, business meetings, and when making both formal and informal arrangements.

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