grabando
“grabando” means “recording” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
recording, taping
Also: filming, saving (data)
📝 In Action
Estamos grabando un mensaje para mi abuela.
A1We are recording a message for my grandmother.
¿Estás grabando el concierto con tu celular?
A2Are you filming the concert with your cell phone?
La cámara de seguridad estuvo grabando toda la noche.
B1The security camera was recording all night.
engraving, etching
Also: inscribing
📝 In Action
El joyero está grabando las iniciales en el anillo.
B1The jeweler is engraving the initials on the ring.
Están grabando un mensaje en la piedra para la historia.
B2They are carving a message into the stone for history.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
preterite
present
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "grabando" in Spanish:
engraving→etching→filming→inscribing→recording→taping→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: grabando
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'grabando' in the sense of 'engraving' or 'carving'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Old German word *graban*, which meant 'to dig' or 'to carve.' This original meaning is still visible in the Spanish sense of 'engraving.' The meaning shifted to 'recording' only after the invention of audio and video technology.
First recorded: The root verb 'grabar' appeared in Spanish around the 15th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'grabando' the same as 'grabado'?
No. 'Grabando' is the continuous action form (like '-ing' in English: 'recording'). 'Grabado' is the past participle form (like '-ed' in English: 'recorded' or 'engraving'). They are used in different parts of speech and tenses.
Can I use 'grabando' without the verb 'estar'?
Yes, but it's less common. When used alone, it functions like an adverb, describing how an action is being done: 'Vino corriendo y cantando' (He came running and singing). It describes the manner of the action.

