construyendo

/kons-tru-YEN-doh/

building

A construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety vest places a single red brick onto a partially built wall, symbolizing physical construction.

Construyendo (building) refers to the act of physical construction.

construyendo(Verb Form (Gerund))

A2irregular (i-y stem change) ir

building

physical construction

constructing

physical construction

Also:

erecting

setting up a structure

📝 In Action

Están construyendo un nuevo puente sobre el río.

They are building a new bridge over the river.

Mi padre ha estado construyendo una casa en el campo durante años.

My father has been constructing a house in the countryside for years.

Si seguimos construyendo con ladrillos, terminaremos pronto.

If we keep building with bricks, we will finish soon.

Word Connections

Synonyms

edificando (building (formal))
levantando (raising, putting up)

Antonyms

destruyendo (destroying)

Common Collocations

estar construyendo – to be building (right now)
seguir construyendo – to continue building

💡 Grammar Points

The Gerund's Main Job

The word 'construyendo' is the '-ing' form in Spanish. Its main use is to show an action happening right now, usually by pairing it with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be). Example: 'Estamos construyendo' (We are building).

The 'Y' Spelling Rule

The base verb 'construir' has an 'i' right before the '-endo' ending. When this happens, Spanish often changes the 'i' to a 'y' to make the sound flow better: 'construiendo' becomes 'construyendo'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Dropping the 'Y'

Mistake: "Estamos construiendo."

Correction: Estamos construyendo. The 'y' is essential here because the vowel sound is strong.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Seguir'

You can use 'construyendo' with the verb 'seguir' (to continue) to emphasize that the action is ongoing: 'Siguen construyendo el muro' (They continue building the wall).

A thoughtful person sits at a wooden table, carefully stacking three colorful, distinct wooden blocks to form a stable tower, symbolizing the development of an idea or system.

Construyendo (developing) can also refer to the process of forming or developing ideas, arguments, or systems.

construyendo(Verb Form (Gerund))

B2irregular (i-y stem change) ir

developing

ideas, arguments, systems

establishing

relationships, institutions

Also:

creating

a theory or framework

📝 In Action

Ella está construyendo su carrera profesional con mucho esfuerzo.

She is building (developing) her professional career with great effort.

Los diplomáticos están construyendo la base de un nuevo acuerdo de paz.

The diplomats are building (establishing) the foundation for a new peace agreement.

Estamos construyendo una narrativa que justifique nuestras acciones.

We are constructing a narrative that justifies our actions.

Word Connections

Synonyms

desarrollando (developing)
estableciendo (establishing)

Antonyms

deshaciendo (undoing)

Common Collocations

construyendo relaciones – building relationships
construyendo un argumento – constructing an argument

💡 Grammar Points

Abstract Use

Just like in English, 'construyendo' can refer to creating something non-physical, like an idea, a career, or a relationship. It still implies a continuous, ongoing effort.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context Clues

If the 'object' of the verb is not a physical thing (like 'paz' or 'carrera'), you know the meaning is figurative, similar to 'developing' or 'establishing' in English.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: construyendo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'construyendo' to describe an ongoing action?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

construir(to build) - verb

construcción(construction) - noun

constructor(builder) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'construyendo' different from 'construido'?

'Construyendo' is the action happening *now* (building). 'Construido' is the past form (built). Think of 'construyendo' as '-ing' and 'construido' as '-ed' or the result of the action.

Can I use 'ser' instead of 'estar' with 'construyendo'?

No. When you are describing an ongoing action using the '-ing' form ('construyendo'), you must always use the verb 'estar' (to be) to form the progressive tenses ('Estamos construyendo'). 'Ser' is used for permanent characteristics, not temporary actions.