Naira Arrieta Bracamonte
11 August 2020
What is "el gerundio" and when do we use it in Spanish?
Gerundio is the "gerund", commonly known in English as the -ING form. It basically means to put -ING at the end of the stem of a verb. In Spanish it is used similarly as it is in English (with one good exception) - to express actions that are happening in the moment or to talk about temporary situations. In Spanish, we add -ANDO at the end of the verbs that end in -AR, and -IENDO to the verbs that end in -ER and -IR. Read on ...
¿Cómo se forma el gerundio?
Presente indicativo de estar + gerundio: Estoy estudiando español
We use estoy, estás, está… + gerundio:
- To talk about an action that is happening in that moment:
- Para hablar de una acción que está sucediendo en ese momento:
Ejemplo:
¿Qué estás haciendo? – Estoy leyendo un libro.
- To talk about a temporary, unusual situation, with time expressions like today, this month, lately…
- Para hablar de una situación temporal, no habitual, con expresiones de tiempo como hoy, este mes, últimamente…
Ejemplo:
Yo normalmente trabajo en el centro de la ciudad, pero este mes estoy trabajando en las afueras.
Estás bebiendo mucho café últimamente.
- To emphasise actions or situations that happen with frecuency, with time expressions like always, all the time, all day long…
- Para enfatizar acciones o situaciones que suceden con frecuencia, con expresiones de tiempo como siempre, todo el tiempo, todo el día…
Marcos siempre está viendo la tele.
Estás todo el día jugando videojuegos y no haces nada productivo.
Are there any irregular verbs in this tense?
Of course there are! It wouldn’t be Spanish without irregular verbs!
- Some verbs that end in -IR change the vowel at the beginning in the gerund:
E> I / O > U Decir: diciendo, pedir: pidiendo, dormir: durmiendo
- Other irregularities:
El gerundio de -IR es yendo.
If the root of the verb ends in a vowel, then it is formed by adding + yendo: Leer: leyendo, oir: oyendo, traer: trayendo.
In summary:
LET'S PRACTICE!
Download a Printable Version
Take our course matching quiz
Not sure which course is right for you? We’ve got you – answer a few questions to find the right class for you. Select the option that’s closest to your level of experience.
What's your experience with learning Spanish?
None, I'm brand new to Spanish
We heart absolute beginners. No matter the reason for wanting to learn, we have a class style for you.
A little, I can speak some
Let’s build on those fundamentals! Progressing focuses on increasing grammar and vocabulary while building your speaking confidence.
Experienced, keen to improve
Here’s where you learn to become fluent and begin to build natural interactions.
More like this
Join El Patio teacher Patricio for a captivating introduction to Latin American culture - from food to artists and much more!
Penny
Join us for our Summer Intensives in 2026 (January 12-23) - an exciting two weeks of Spanish study in Northcote, Melbourne CBD and Online! This is a chance to boost your level in a way that would normally take months....
Penny
Australia's best-loved Spanish language school, now teaching in Melbourne CBD, Northcote, and Online. Learn Spanish socially - whoever and wherever you are.
Phil
Carousel
Carousel-
“
You can't do better than this school! It's a very well organised school. They have so many levels you will find the right class for you. Great teachers, fun and just the right amount of challenge.
-
“
After becoming frustrated at my lack of progress with their competitor, I received a recommendation for the classes at El Patio. Since enrolling I have never looked back.
-
“
I never shut up about how much I like my classes, pretty sure my colleagues and all my friends are getting sick of hearing about it.
-
“
After finding another company frustrating and unenthusiastic, El Patio has reinvigorated my excitement for learning Spanish...
-
“
The teachers are welcoming and seem to love what they do, which brings passion to each class. The homework and resources are highly organised and professional. I would highly recommend El Patio Spanish
-
“
As a retired teacher, I know good teaching when I see it, and the teachers at El Patio are absolutely wonderful - caring, professional and fun.