Inklingo
← Dictionary

andando

an-DAHN-doh/anˈdando/

“andando” means “walking” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

walking, going

Also: running, moving
Gerund (Verbal Form)A1irregular (in the past tense) ar
A colorful storybook illustration showing a simplified figure mid-stride, actively walking along a path.
infinitiveandar
gerundandando
past Participleandado

📝 In Action

Mi abuela está andando más despacio últimamente.

A1

My grandmother is walking slower lately.

¿Qué estás haciendo? Estoy andando por el parque.

A1

What are you doing? I am walking through the park.

Este reloj ha estado andando perfectamente por años.

B1

This watch has been running perfectly for years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • caminando (walking (more focused on the action))
  • marchando (marching, going)

Common Collocations

  • estar andando – to be walking/going
  • seguir andando – to keep walking/going

on foot

Also: walking
A close-up storybook illustration focusing on a pair of brown boots walking across a grassy field, representing travel by foot.

📝 In Action

Es mejor ir andando que tomar el autobús, está muy cerca.

B1

It is better to go on foot than to take the bus; it's very close.

Llegamos andando a la cima de la colina.

B2

We arrived at the top of the hill by walking/on foot.

El doctor me recomendó hacer más ejercicio andando.

B2

The doctor recommended I get more exercise by walking.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • a pie (on foot (most common alternative))

Common Collocations

  • ir andando – to go on foot
  • venir andando – to come walking

Idioms & Expressions

  • ponerse en marcha andando – to start moving/to get going

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "andando" in Spanish:

going→moving→on foot→running→walking→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: andando

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'andando' to describe the means of travel?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
andar(to walk, to go, to function) — Verb
andado(walked (past participle)) — Adjective
andadura(gait, pace, course (of an action)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Vulgar Latin verb *ambitare*, meaning 'to go around' or 'to surround.' It replaced the classical Latin word for walking, *ambulare*, and eventually evolved into the modern Spanish 'andar.'

First recorded: 10th or 11th century (Old Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: andarCatalan: anar

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

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.