colgando
/kol-GAN-do/
hanging
Visualizing colgando as something physically suspended, like a coat hanging on a rack.
colgando(Verb (Gerund))
hanging
?physically suspended
,dangling
?swinging loosely
suspending
?the act of placing something high up
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with ESTAR
The gerund 'colgando' is most often used with the verb 'estar' to describe an ongoing state or action: 'La foto está colgando torcida' (The photo is hanging crooked).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Stem Change Confusion
Mistake: "Using 'colgando' to describe the simple present action of *colgar* (e.g., *Yo estoy colgando la ropa* when you mean *Yo cuelgo la ropa*)."
Correction: Remember that *colgando* describes something happening right now (progressive action). For habitual actions, use the normal present tense form: 'Yo cuelgo la ropa todos los días' (I hang the clothes every day).
⭐ Usage Tips
Visual Pattern
Think of 'colgando' whenever something is held up by a string, hook, or attachment and is not resting on the floor or a shelf.
Visualizing colgando in the context of ending communication, specifically hanging up a phone call.
colgando(Verb (Gerund))
hanging up
?ending a phone call
,disconnecting
?terminating communication
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use
Although the infinitive 'colgar' is usually transitive, in this context, when someone ends a call abruptly, it often implies the action of 'hanging up on' someone, sometimes using pronouns to emphasize the object.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear 'colgando' near the word 'teléfono' or 'llamada,' it almost always means ending the communication, not physically suspending the device.
Visualizing colgando as something pending or unresolved, like a bridge that remains unfinished.
colgando(Adjective/Adverbial)
pending
?unfinished or unresolved
,left hanging
?abandoned or forgotten
stuck
?computer programs, slang
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with QUEDAR
When used with the verb 'quedar' (to remain/to be left), 'colgando' describes the state of being unfinished or unresolved: 'El tema quedó colgando' (The topic was left unresolved).
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Meaning
This meaning uses the idea of something physically 'dangling' and applies it to a task or decision that is left up in the air.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: colgando
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'colgando' in the meaning of 'leaving something unfinished'?
📚 More Resources
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.