andando
/an-DAHN-doh/
walking
Illustrating the continuous action of andando, or "walking."
andando(Gerund (Verbal Form))
walking
?as part of a continuous tense
,going
?referring to movement or function
running
?figurative, when referring to machinery
,moving
?general motion
📝 In Action
Mi abuela está andando más despacio últimamente.
A1My grandmother is walking slower lately.
¿Qué estás haciendo? Estoy andando por el parque.
A1What are you doing? I am walking through the park.
Este reloj ha estado andando perfectamente por años.
B1This watch has been running perfectly for years.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming Continuous Tenses
Use 'andando' after a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estamos andando' means 'We are walking.'
Verbs of Continuation
You can also use 'andando' after verbs like 'seguir' (to continue) or 'ir' (to go) to mean 'to keep walking' or 'to go on doing something.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'Andar' and 'Caminar'
Mistake: "Using 'andar' when you specifically mean walking for exercise or leisure (e.g., 'Voy a andar por la playa')."
Correction: While understandable, 'caminar' is usually preferred for intentional, recreational walking. 'Andar' often means just 'to be moving' or 'to function.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Understanding 'Andar's' Meaning
Remember that 'andar' doesn't just mean 'to walk'; it also means 'to function' or 'to be running' (for machines or processes). If someone asks '¿Cómo anda el negocio?', they mean 'How is the business doing?'
Andando can also be used as an adverb meaning "on foot," describing the means of travel.
📝 In Action
Es mejor ir andando que tomar el autobús, está muy cerca.
B1It is better to go on foot than to take the bus; it's very close.
Llegamos andando a la cima de la colina.
B2We arrived at the top of the hill by walking/on foot.
El doctor me recomendó hacer más ejercicio andando.
B2The doctor recommended I get more exercise by walking.
💡 Grammar Points
Function as 'By Means Of'
When used as an adverb, 'andando' often answers the question 'How?' It means 'by walking' or 'using your feet,' similar to saying 'a pie' (on foot).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Redundancy with 'A Pie'
Mistake: "Saying 'Voy a pie andando.'"
Correction: Choose one: either 'Voy andando' or 'Voy a pie.' Both mean 'I am going on foot.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Speed Implication
While it means 'walking,' using 'andando' often implies a steady, non-rushed pace, contrasting with faster means of transport.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: andando
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'andando' to describe the means of travel?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'andando' and 'caminando'?
'Andando' is the gerund of 'andar,' which means 'to go,' 'to move,' or 'to function.' 'Caminando' is the gerund of 'caminar,' which strictly means 'to walk.' While they often overlap, 'andar' is more general and can refer to any movement or operation, while 'caminar' is specific to using your feet.
Why does the past tense of 'andar' (anduve) look so different?
Even though 'andar' ends in -ar, it is one of a few common verbs (like 'tener' and 'estar') that use a special, irregular stem in the simple past tense (the preterite). This change ('andar' → 'anduv-') is a historical quirk you just need to memorize.