Gerunds in Spanish

Subjects | Spanish Notes | Spanish Verbs & Tenses

Introduction

⇒ In Spanish, the verb form that ends in -ndo is called the gerundio.

⇒ It is used in compound verb forms, such as Estoy nadando. (I'm swimming.), as well as adverbially, as in Salió corriendo. (literally, He left running.)

Tricky Terminology

⇒ In English, the gerund is the noun form of a verb, such as swimming in the sentence below. In Spanish, this form is often translated using an infinitive, such as nadar

Es divertido nadar.
Swimming is fun.

⇒ In English, the term present participle is used to refer to verbal elements or -ing adjectives, such as swimming in the examples below.

Spanish English
I am swimming. Estoy nadando.
Where did you buy those swimming shorts? ¿Dónde compraste ese short de natación?

When to Use Gerundios

In Progressive Tenses with Estar

⇒ Gerundios form the second part of progressive tenses formed with estar.

Estoy leyendo un libro.
I am reading a book.
Estaba pensando en ti.
I was thinking about you.

To Express Ongoing Actions

⇒ Gerundios can be used with verbs like ir, seguir, andar and venir, to emphasize the idea of an ongoing action.

Anda buscando sus llaves.
He is walking around looking for his keys.
Vas saliendo de la enfermedad.
You are gradually coming out of your sickness.
Seguimos estudiando los libros.
We keep on studying the books.
Vengo sintiendo un gran consuelo.
I've been feeling a great comfort.

As Adverbs

⇒ Gerundios can function as adverbs, modifying the action of another verb in the same phrase.

Pasé el día leyendo.
I spent the day reading.
Chiflando y chasqueando los dedos, se bajó del autobús.
Whistling and snapping his fingers, he got off the bus.

When NOT to Use Gerundios

As Nouns

⇒ Remember that English gerunds are often translated into Spanish as an infinitive.

English Spanish
I like speaking Spanish. Me gusta hablar español.
Seeing is believing. Ver es creer.
Running is good for your health. Correr es bueno para la salud.

As Adjectives

⇒ English adjectives that end in -ing are not translated to Spanish using a gerundio

⇒ You'll often see them translated as phrases beginning with de (of, from) or que (that, which).

English Spanish
I bought myself some running shoes. Me compré unos zapatos de correr.
Who does that crying baby belong to? ¿De quién es el bebé que llora?