acercando
a-ser-KAN-do
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Mira el coche, se está acercando muy rápido.
A2Look at the car, it is approaching very quickly.
La fecha del examen final se está acercando.
B1The date of the final exam is getting closer.
Estamos acercando los muebles a la pared para tener más espacio.
B1We are moving the furniture closer to the wall to have more space.
💡 Grammar Points
The '-ing' Form
This word, 'acercando,' is the gerund, which is the Spanish equivalent of the English '-ing' form (like 'approaching'). It always ends in -ando for verbs whose base form ends in -ar.
Using it with 'Estar'
You must use this word with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe an action happening right now: 'Estamos acercando' (We are bringing closer).
The 'Se' Particle
To say 'getting closer' (where the subject moves itself), you must add the particle 'se' to the end: 'acercándose' (getting closer). If you forget the 'se', it means you are moving something else closer.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Transitive/Reflexive
Mistake: "La gente está acercando a la fiesta. (The people are bringing something closer to the party.)"
Correction: La gente se está acercando a la fiesta. (The people are approaching the party.) The 'se' is vital when the subject is doing the moving.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Motion
Think of 'acercando' as emphasizing the process of movement, not just the resulting location. It’s all about the journey toward 'cerca' (near).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: acercando
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'acercando' to mean 'The cat is getting closer to the door'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'acercando' a verb tense?
No, 'acercando' is a gerund (or present participle). It cannot be used alone as a main verb. You must combine it with a conjugated verb, usually 'estar' (e.g., 'está acercando') to form a continuous tense.
What is the difference between 'acercando' and 'acercándose'?
'Acercando' means *bringing* something else closer (transitive). 'Acercándo**se**' means the subject is moving *itself* closer, like 'I am approaching' (reflexive).