A go at Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɡoʊ/ /ˈæt

uh-GOH-at

UK

æɪ/ /ɡˈəʊ/ /ˈæt

uh-GOH-at

Definition

This informal expression means to try or attempt to do something, especially for the first time or to see how it goes.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal, used mostly in British and Australian English, often in the phrase 'have a go at'. Not for formal writing. Can also mean 'criticize someone' (UK), but most often means 'attempt'. Common in friendly spoken contexts.

• Spanish: intentar - probar - tener un intento (coloquial)
• Portuguese (BR): tentar - experimentar - uma tentativa (informal)
• Portuguese (PT): tentar - experimentar - uma tentativa (informal)
• Chinese (Simplified): 试一试 - 试试看
• Chinese (Traditional): 試一試 - 試試看
• Hindi: कोशिश करना - प्रयास करना
• Arabic: محاولة
• Bengali: চেষ্টা - একটা চেষ্টা
• Russian: попытка
• Japanese: やってみること - 挑戦
• Vietnamese: thử - thử sức
• Korean: 시도 - 한번 해봄
• Turkish: deneme - şansını denemek
• Urdu: کوشش - آزمانا
• Indonesian: coba - mencoba

Example Sentences

Can I have a go at driving your car?

basic

Let the children have a go at painting.

basic

It’s my first go at baking a cake.

basic

I've never played tennis, but I’d love a go at it sometime.

natural

Give it a go at least once—you might surprise yourself!

natural

He had a go at surfing while on holiday in Australia.

natural