andar
“andar” means “walk” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
walk, stroll
Also: go (around), move
📝 In Action
Me gusta andar por la playa al amanecer.
A1I like walking along the beach at sunrise.
Anduvimos diez kilómetros antes de encontrar el pueblo.
A2We walked ten kilometers before finding the village.
El niño ya anda solo, sin ayuda de sus padres.
A1The child already walks by himself, without his parents' help.
to be (feeling), to be doing
Also: to function
📝 In Action
¿Cómo andan las cosas en tu trabajo?
B1How are things going at your job?
Mi primo anda buscando un apartamento cerca del centro.
B1My cousin is looking for an apartment near the center.
El coche no anda bien desde que lo llevé al taller.
B2The car hasn't been working well since I took it to the garage.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: andar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'andar' to describe a temporary emotional state, rather than physical movement?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Vulgar Latin verb *ambulare*, which meant 'to walk or travel.' Over centuries, the 'mb' sound changed to 'nd' in Spanish, giving us 'andar'.
First recorded: Before the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'andar' a synonym for 'caminar'?
Yes, they both mean 'to walk.' 'Caminar' is slightly more formal and focuses strictly on the act of walking. 'Andar' is often preferred in daily speech and has the added meanings of 'to be going around' or 'to be feeling.'
Why does 'andar' sometimes mean 'to be'?
This figurative use comes from the idea of 'going around' in a certain state. If you 'anda preocupado,' you are 'walking around' or 'carrying' that worry. It often emphasizes that the condition is temporary or ongoing, much like the verb 'estar'.