Vaya con Dios

[Tyrn]

Hi,

What exactly is vaya here? Is it subjunctive, or is it imperative?

[Rusty]

That depends on how it's used and if it's interpreted correctly by the person who hears it.

In both the subjunctive and imperative moods, the conjugation vaya is third person singular in form, primarily used to address someone (usted). (In the subjunctive mood, it may also be used to reference someone (él or ella)).

The subjunctive phrase would translate as "May God be with you," and might be preceded by the conjunction «que» (understood in context if not said).

The imperative phrase translates as "Go with God."

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

I agree with Rusty.
I will just add a note: For me, if you only find "Vaya con Dios", the form is an imperative for "usted". Yet, this is not an order, because you can't actually walk with God or make Him accompany you. This is used as a good-hearted wish for you to be well.
If you use "tú" for the person, you say "Ve con Dios".

When you find "Que vaya con Dios", this is the subjunctive form, and it's used to talk about a third person. It expresses an indirect wish that this person will be alright, just like when the speaker says it to you.

You can also find "Que Dios te/lo/la acompañe". (May God be with you.)
In this case, since you can't use the imperative with God, you just express your wish with the subjunctive form.

[Tyrn]

Naturally, my concern is the perceived ambiguity when somebody says Vaya con Dios to your face.

Originally Posted by Rusty

The subjunctive phrase would translate as "May God be with you," and might be preceded by the conjunction «que» (understood in context if not said).

The imperative phrase translates as "Go with God."

Basically, your answer is "take it as you please" . What kind of context should suggest the que?

[Rusty]

I, like Angélica, prefer to include the conjunction when the subjunctive is used, but most will get the drift if it isn't said.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

I agree with Rusty.
It's not "take it as you please" exactly, because this is a specific use of language.
You will never hear someone saying "Vaya bien" when they mean "Que le vaya bien", for example.
If they say "Vaya con Dios" to your face and it's obvious they're not talking about a third person, then that is your context. They're using this imperative form that is not expressing an order, but a wish.