corriendo
/kohr-RYEHN-doh/
running
When used as a gerund, corriendo translates directly to 'running'.
corriendo(Gerund (The '-ing' action form))
running
?used to form continuous tenses
,flowing
?for liquids
📝 In Action
Ahora mismo estamos corriendo hacia la meta.
A1Right now, we are running toward the finish line.
El agua del río estuvo corriendo muy rápido después de la lluvia.
B1The river water was flowing very fast after the rain.
💡 Grammar Points
Continuous Actions (The 'ing' form)
In Spanish, the Gerund (-ndo form) is combined with the verb estar (to be) to show an action happening at the moment of speaking: estoy corriendo (I am running).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Infinitive Instead of the Gerund
Mistake: "Estamos correr."
Correction: Estamos corriendo. Remember that the -ndo ending is necessary after *estar* to show continuity.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Time
Use corriendo with estar only for actions actively in progress, not for general habits.
As an adverb, corriendo means 'quickly' or 'hastily'.
📝 In Action
El mensajero llegó corriendo para entregar el paquete a tiempo.
B1The messenger arrived quickly (or, running) to deliver the package on time.
Olvidé mi cartera y tuve que volver corriendo.
B1I forgot my wallet and had to rush back (literally: return running).
💡 Grammar Points
Describing the 'How'
When corriendo follows another verb, it tells you how that action was performed—usually indicating speed or urgency. (e.g., habló corriendo = he spoke quickly/rushedly).
⭐ Usage Tips
Implied Urgency
Using corriendo in this way often implies that the person was in a huge rush, adding more emphasis than just using the word 'rápidamente' (quickly).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: corriendo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'corriendo' to mean 'in a rush' rather than part of a continuous action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'corriendo' always mean physical running?
No. While its main meaning is physical running, it can also refer to liquids 'flowing' (*El agua está corriendo*) or, more figuratively, time 'running out' (*El tiempo está corriendo*).
Is 'corriendo' the same as 'rápido'?
They are similar when describing speed, but *corriendo* is more descriptive. *Rápido* is a direct adjective/adverb ('fast'). *Corriendo* usually implies a state of being rushed or moving on foot.