【英文版西语语法】Gerunds in Spanish

  Quick Answer

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 Swimming is fun. (Es divertido nadar.). In Spanish, this form is translated using an infinitive verb, such as nadar.

 

In English, the term present participle is used to refer to verbal elements, such as swimming in I am swimming.) or -ing adjectives, such as swimming in Did you buy those swimming shorts here?.

 

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 Gerundio

 

As Nouns

 

English gerunds are normally translated into Spanish as infinitives.

 

Me gusta hablar español.

I like speaking Spanish.

 

Ver es creer.

Seeing is believing.

 

Correr es bueno para la salud.

Running is good for your health.

 

As Adjectives

 

English adjectives that end in -ing are not translated in Spanish as gerundios.

 

Me compré unos zapatos de correr.

I bought myself some running shoes.

 

¿De quién es el bebé que llora?

Who does that crying baby belong to?