This short guide explains when to use aller and venir by focusing on perspective and direction relative to the speaker. Each section gives quick examples to make the difference clear.
Aller
Use aller to describe movement away from the speaker’s current location toward another place. Think of the action as turning outward.
Examples
Every morning, I go to work on foot.
Expressions
| French Expression | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ aller en voyage | to go on a trip | |
| 🗺️ aller voir un site | to go see a landmark | |
| 🌅 aller à la plage | to go to the beach | |
| 🛳️ aller en croisière | to go on a cruise |
Venir
Use venir to describe movement toward the speaker’s location or toward a place associated with the speaker. It signals arrival or approach relative to the speaker.
Examples
Expressions
| French Expression | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| 📩 venir d’arriver | to have just arrived | |
| 🧳 venir chercher quelqu’un | to come pick someone up | |
| 👫 venir rendre visite | to come visit someone | |
| 🎉 venir à une fête | to come to a party |
Special Uses
Sometimes venir can be used more figuratively for events or when the reference point is flexible. Also, certain expressions fix phrases in one form or the other.
Summary
Remember: use aller to go away from the speaker’s place and venir to come toward it. Keep the reference point in mind and choose the verb that matches the direction of movement relative to the speaker.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025