Spanish Present Progressive: Estar + -ando / -iendo
When something is happening right now, Spanish uses estar plus a verb ending in -ando or -iendo. It is called the present progressive, and it matches English “I am eating” closely. The differences are in a few spelling changes, and in the places where English uses it but Spanish does not.
Quick answer
- Form it with estar plus the -ndo form: Estoy comiendo. (I am eating.)
- -ar verbs end in -ando. -er and -ir verbs end in -iendo: hablando, comiendo, viviendo
- Do not use it for future plans: Mañana salgo temprano. (I am leaving early tomorrow.)
How to form it
Use two parts: a present form of estar (estoy, estás, está, estamos, están) and the gerund, the -ndo form of the main verb. The gerund never changes for person, gender, or number.
| Verb type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -ar verbs | drop -ar, add -ando | hablar → hablando |
| -er verbs | drop -er, add -iendo | comer → comiendo |
| -ir verbs | drop -ir, add -iendo | vivir → viviendo |
Examples
- Estoy hablando por teléfono.I am talking on the phone.Estoy plus -ando.
- Estamos comiendo en casa.We are eating at home.Estamos plus -iendo.
- Mis papás están viviendo en Mérida.My parents are living in Mérida.Están plus -iendo.
Irregular gerunds worth knowing
A few common verbs change spelling or stem in the gerund. The patterns repeat, so learning one helps with the others.
| Infinitive | Gerund | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| leer | leyendo | i between vowels becomes y |
| oír | oyendo | i between vowels becomes y |
| traer | trayendo | i between vowels becomes y |
| dormir | durmiendo | o becomes u |
| poder | pudiendo | o becomes u |
| pedir | pidiendo | e becomes i |
| decir | diciendo | e becomes i |
| seguir | siguiendo | e becomes i |
| venir | viniendo | e becomes i |
| servir | sirviendo | e becomes i |
Examples
- Estoy leyendo un libro muy bueno.I am reading a very good book.Leer becomes leyendo.
- El bebé está durmiendo.The baby is sleeping.Dormir becomes durmiendo.
- ¿Qué estás diciendo?What are you saying?Decir becomes diciendo.
- Los clientes están pidiendo la cuenta.The customers are asking for the check.Pedir becomes pidiendo.
When to use it
Use the present progressive for an action in progress at this moment, or during a limited period around now. Spanish uses it less than English does.
Examples
- No puedo hablar, estoy manejando.I cannot talk, I am driving.Right now.
- Este mes estoy trabajando en casa.This month I am working from home.A temporary period.
- Mi hermano está estudiando medicina.My brother is studying medicine.In progress over time.
Not for future plans
English says “I am leaving tomorrow.” In Spanish, do not use estar plus the gerund for plans. Use the simple present with a time word, or ir a plus an infinitive.
Examples
- Mañana salgo temprano.I am leaving early tomorrow.Simple present with a time word.
- Mañana voy a salir temprano.I am going to leave early tomorrow.Ir a plus infinitive.
For more on plans, see Ir + a: how to talk about the future.
Where the pronouns go
Reflexive and object pronouns can go before estar or attach to the end of the gerund. When you attach them, the gerund gets a written accent so the stress stays in the same place.
| Before estar | Attached to the gerund |
|---|---|
| Me estoy bañando. | Estoy bañándome. |
| Lo estoy leyendo. | Estoy leyéndolo. |
| Se está vistiendo. | Está vistiéndose. |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Estoy comer.
Correct: Estoy comiendo.
After estar, use the -ndo form, not the infinitive.
Incorrect: Estoy leiendo un libro.
Correct: Estoy leyendo un libro.
Between two vowels, the i becomes y: leyendo.
Incorrect: El bebé está dormiendo.
Correct: El bebé está durmiendo.
Dormir changes its stem: durmiendo.
Incorrect: Mañana estoy viajando a Puebla.
Correct: Mañana viajo a Puebla.
Use the simple present or ir a for future plans, not the progressive.
Three things to keep
- Estar plus the -ndo form: -ando for -ar verbs, -iendo for -er and -ir verbs.
- Watch the irregular ones: leyendo, durmiendo, pidiendo, diciendo.
- For future plans, use the simple present or ir a, not the progressive.
Mini practice
5 quick questions. You get feedback right after each answer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a gerund?
In Spanish grammar, the gerund (gerundio) is the -ndo form of a verb. It looks like the English -ing form, but Spanish uses it in fewer situations.
Can I use ser instead of estar?
No. The present progressive always uses estar: Estoy comiendo, not Soy comiendo.
Do I always need the progressive for right now?
No. The simple present can also describe now, especially with ahora. The progressive stresses that the action is in progress.
Does the gerund change for plural or feminine?
No. Only estar changes: Ella está comiendo, Ellos están comiendo.
Ready to practice your Spanish?
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