estar + gerund
in progress: está + -ando/-iendo
By Fabling Editorial · How we design our guides
Describe an action in progress with estar and a Spanish gerund. Practice regular forms and common changes such as leyendo and durmiendo.
in progress: está + -ando/-iendo
estar + gerund shows an action in progress: Está escuchando. Regular gerunds: -ando (hablar), -iendo (comer, vivir).
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Use it in a conversation
Use -ando for regular -ar verbs and -iendo for regular -er/-ir verbs. Some forms change: leer becomes leyendo and dormir becomes durmiendo. Spanish can also use the simple present for an action happening now; the progressive emphasizes that it is underway.
Mi hermana está leyendo en el jardín.
My sister is reading in the garden.
Los niños están durmiendo.
The children are sleeping.
Estamos preparando la comida.
We are preparing the food.
Hear the pattern
A quiet afternoon. Listen to part 1 of The Open Window, a short Spanish story with English translations and a reply to practice.
Common mix-ups
After estar, use the gerund comiendo, not the infinitive comer. The simple present can also describe an action happening now.
I am eating an apple.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
We are waiting for the bus right now.
Show one possible answer
Estamos esperando el autobús.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
Keep practicing
Related grammar
Practice Spanish grammar in context
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