colgando
“colgando” means “hanging” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
hanging, dangling
Also: suspending
📝 In Action
El mono estaba colgando de una rama con una sola mano.
A2The monkey was hanging from a branch with a single hand.
La lámpara antigua está colgando justo encima de la mesa.
A1The antique lamp is hanging right above the table.
Ten cuidado, el cable está colgando peligrosamente.
B1Be careful, the wire is dangling dangerously.
hanging up, disconnecting
📝 In Action
Ella me estuvo colgando antes de que pudiera responder.
B1She was hanging up on me before I could answer.
¿Estás colgando ya? No hemos terminado de hablar.
B2Are you hanging up already? We haven't finished talking.
pending, left hanging
Also: stuck
📝 In Action
Tenemos varios proyectos importantes que quedaron colgando.
B2We have several important projects that were left pending/unresolved.
La computadora se quedó colgando y tuve que reiniciarla.
C1The computer got stuck/froze and I had to restart it.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "colgando" in Spanish:
dangling→disconnecting→hanging→hanging up→left hanging→pending→stuck→suspending→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: colgando
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'colgando' in the meaning of 'leaving something unfinished'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'colgar' comes from the Vulgar Latin *collocare*, meaning 'to place' or 'to arrange.' It evolved to specifically mean 'to place high up' or 'to suspend.' 'Colgando' is simply the ongoing action form of this verb.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as 'colgar')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'colgando' and 'colgado'?
'Colgando' is the action form (gerund), meaning the action is ongoing or continuous ('The flag is hanging'). 'Colgado' is the state or result form (past participle), meaning the action is finished and the thing is now in a state of being hung ('The flag is hung').
Is 'colgando' always used with 'estar'?
Most of the time, yes, to form the progressive tense ('estar + colgando'). However, it can also act as an adverbial modifier without 'estar' to describe how an action is performed, though this is less common for beginners.