A simple blue square object is actively morphing its shape, with one corner already becoming rounded as it transitions into a circular form, symbolizing change.

cambiando

kahm-bee-AHN-doh

GerundA1regular ar

changing?modifying something,exchanging?swapping one thing for another

Also:altering?making small changes,switching?changing position or setting

Quick Reference

infinitivecambiar

gerundcambiando

past Participlecambiado

📝 In Action

El clima está cambiando muy rápido hoy.

The weather is changing very fast today.

Ella está cambiando dinero en el banco.

She is exchanging money at the bank.

Estuvimos cambiando ideas toda la tarde para el proyecto.

We were exchanging ideas all afternoon for the project.

Word Connections

Synonyms

modificando (modifying)
variando (varying)

Antonyms

manteniendo (maintaining)

Common Collocations

estar cambiando – to be changing (right now)
seguir cambiando – to keep changing

💡 Grammar Points

Action in Progress

The word 'cambiando' is the '-ing' form in Spanish. You use it with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to show that an action is happening right now: 'Estamos cambiando' (We are changing).

The '-ando' Ending

All Spanish verbs whose base form ends in '-ar' (like 'cambiar') use the '-ando' ending for this continuous action form.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Ser' Instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: "El clima es cambiando."

Correction: El clima está cambiando. (Only use 'estar' with the '-ando' form to describe temporary, ongoing actions.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Attaching Pronouns

You can attach small words (pronouns) directly to the end of 'cambiando' if needed: 'Lo estoy cambiando' (I am changing it) can become 'Estoy cambiándolo.'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cambiando

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'cambiando' to describe a continuous action?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cambiar(to change) - verb

el cambio(the change/exchange) - noun

cambiable(changeable) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'cambiando' and 'cambiado'?

'Cambiando' means 'changing' and is used for ongoing actions (e.g., 'estoy cambiando'). 'Cambiado' means 'changed' and is used to talk about actions that have been completed (e.g., 'he cambiado' - I have changed).

Can I use 'cambiando' without 'estar'?

Yes, but it won't describe an ongoing action. For example, you can use it like an adverb: 'Pasó el día cambiando cosas' (He spent the day changing things). However, for the meaning 'is changing,' you absolutely need 'estar.'