Vamos a picar algo.

something

Breakdown of Vamos a picar algo.

• ir: to go
• a: to
• picar: to have a bite

Questions & Answers about Vamos a picar algo.

What does vamos a mean in this sentence?

Vamos a + infinitive is a very common Spanish structure meaning to be going to do something.

So here:

• vamos = we go / we are going
• a = to
• picar = infinitive verb

Together, vamos a picar means we’re going to have a snack / grab a bite.

In conversation, it can also sound a lot like Let’s have a snack, depending on context.

Why is it vamos and not vamos meaning just we go?

On its own, vamos can mean we go or let’s go.

But when you add a + infinitive, it becomes a future-type construction:

• Vamos = we go / let’s go
• Vamos a comer = we’re going to eat
• Vamos a picar = we’re going to snack / grab a bite

So the a + infinitive changes the meaning from simple movement to going to do something.

What does picar mean here? I thought it could mean to sting or to chop.