andar
/ahn-DAHR/
walk
Andar primarily means 'to walk.' This child is taking a pleasant walk in the park.
andar(verb)
walk
?physical movement
,stroll
?leisurely pace
go (around)
?general movement
,move
?physical displacement
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Irregular Past Tense
The past tense (preterite) is tricky! It uses the special stem 'anduv-' instead of the regular 'andar'. Memorize: 'anduve', 'anduvo', 'anduvieron'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Movement vs. Location
Use 'andar' for the act of walking itself. Use 'ir' (to go) or 'venir' (to come) for movement toward a destination.
Andar can also mean 'to be (feeling)' when describing a temporary state or emotion, such as being happy or sad.
andar(verb)
to be (feeling)
?temporary state or emotion
,to be doing
?ongoing activity, often replacing 'estar'
to function
?how a machine or process works
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Andar' + Gerund Pattern
When 'andar' is followed by the '-ando' or '-iendo' form (the gerund), it emphasizes that the action is ongoing and often implies wandering or a lack of specific purpose. (e.g., 'Anda diciendo tonterías' = He goes around saying nonsense).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Andar' and 'Estar'
Mistake: "Using 'Ando feliz' for 'I am happy' (a permanent state)."
Correction: While 'Ando' is acceptable for temporary moods, 'Estoy feliz' is safer and more common for expressing emotion. Use 'andar' more for temporary physical states or 'going around' doing something.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking How Someone Is
A very natural, informal way to ask 'How are you?' is '¿Cómo andas?' (How are you doing?).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ 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
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'.