去
qù
Go
去 (qù) is the most common and versatile verb for "to go" or "to leave for a place" in Mandarin Chinese. It's used when you're moving towards a specific destination.
When to use it
Neutral. While 去 is the primary verb for "going to a place," 走 (zǒu) can mean "to walk" or "to leave" (without specifying a destination). 离开 (líkāi) specifically means "to leave a place." For setting off on a journey, you might use 出发 (chūfā).
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like "CHOO" (as in "choo-choo train"). It's a falling tone, so the sound drops sharply.
Other ways to say it
- 走zǒuto walk; to leave (general departure)
- 离开lí kāito leave (a place)
- 出发chū fāto depart; to set off
Examples
我想去北京。
wǒ xiǎng qù běi jīng 。
I want to go to Beijing.
你什么时候去？
nǐ shén me shí hòu qù ？
When are you going?
我们走吧！
wǒ men zǒu ba ！
Let's go! (Let's get moving!)
Pro tip: Remember that 去 (qù) always implies moving *towards* a destination. If you're just leaving without a specific place in mind, 走 (zǒu) might be more appropriate, as in "我们走吧!" (Let's go / Let's get moving!).
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →