actuando
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acting
When "actuando" means acting, it refers to performing a role on stage or screen.
actuando(Gerund)
acting
?performing a role (stage/film)
,performing
?on stage
behaving
?in a certain manner
📝 In Action
Ella está actuando en una comedia musical ahora mismo.
A2She is acting in a musical comedy right now.
Estuvimos actuando bajo mucha presión durante el ensayo.
B1We were performing under a lot of pressure during the rehearsal.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming the Progressive Tense
Use 'actuando' after the verb 'estar' (to be) to show that the action is happening right now: 'Estamos actuando' (We are acting).
Using the Gerund Alone
You can sometimes use 'actuando' alone to mean 'by acting' or 'while acting': 'Actuando con valentía, salvó el día.' (Acting with bravery, he saved the day.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gerunds and Infinitives
Mistake: "Using 'actuar' when the action is ongoing: 'Estoy actuar en la obra.'"
Correction: Use the gerund for ongoing actions: 'Estoy actuando en la obra.' (I am acting in the play.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasizing the Process
The '-ando' ending always emphasizes that the action is currently in process, like the '-ing' ending in English.
When "actuando" means taking action, it describes intervening or solving a problem.
actuando(Gerund)
taking action
?intervening, solving a problem
,operating
?functioning, doing its job
dealing with
?handling a situation
📝 In Action
La empresa está actuando de manera responsable con el medio ambiente.
B1The company is acting responsibly toward the environment.
El abogado estuvo actuando como mediador en el conflicto.
B2The lawyer was acting as a mediator in the conflict.
💡 Grammar Points
Action vs. State
This meaning of 'actuando' focuses on the ongoing process of intervention or decision-making, not just a temporary state.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
In professional or news contexts, 'actuando' often implies authority or an official response (e.g., police, government, legal teams).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: actuando
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'actuando' to mean 'taking official steps'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'actuando' the same as 'actuación'?
'Actuando' is the form of the verb that means 'currently acting' (the process). 'Actuación' is the noun, meaning 'the performance' or 'the action' itself (the result or event).
Why do I sometimes see 'actuando' translated as 'behaving'?
Yes, 'actuar' often means 'to behave' or 'to conduct oneself.' When you say 'está actuando bien,' you mean 'he is behaving well,' describing the manner in which someone is carrying out their actions.