luchando
/loo-CHAHN-doh/
fighting
When used in the context of physical combat or wrestling, luchando means fighting.
📝 In Action
Están luchando en el suelo por la pelota.
A2They are fighting on the floor for the ball.
Vimos a dos gatos luchando ruidosamente en el jardín.
B1We saw two cats fighting loudly in the garden.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming the Continuous Action
"Luchando" is the '-ing' form (the gerund). It always follows a form of the verb 'estar' (like 'estoy,' 'estás,' 'está') to show an action that is happening right at this moment.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'
Mistake: "Soy luchando."
Correction: Estoy luchando. Remember, 'ser' describes permanent qualities, but 'estar' describes temporary states and ongoing actions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Action vs. Description
Use 'luchando' only when the fight or struggle is currently in progress. If you want to describe someone who is generally a fighter, use the noun 'luchador/a'.
Luchando can mean struggling, such as fighting against poverty or a difficult situation.
luchando(Gerund)
struggling
?against illness, poverty, or difficulty
,battling
?against an adverse condition
📝 In Action
Mi abuela ha estado luchando contra una enfermedad grave por años.
B1My grandmother has been struggling against a serious illness for years.
La empresa está luchando para mantenerse a flote en esta crisis.
B2The company is struggling to stay afloat in this crisis.
💡 Grammar Points
The Preposition 'Contra'
When 'luchando' means 'struggling against' an adversity (like a disease or poverty), you almost always use the preposition 'contra' (against) immediately afterward.
To be luchando can also mean striving or working hard to achieve a goal or ideal.
luchando(Gerund)
striving
?working hard for a goal or ideal
,campaigning
?for social change or rights
advocating
?for a cause
📝 In Action
Estamos luchando por la igualdad de derechos en nuestra comunidad.
B2We are striving for equal rights in our community.
El equipo científico sigue luchando por encontrar una solución.
C1The scientific team keeps striving to find a solution.
💡 Grammar Points
Use of the Preposition 'Por'
When 'luchando' means 'striving for' or 'in favor of' a goal or cause, it is usually followed by the preposition 'por'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: luchando
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'luchando' in the sense of campaigning for a cause?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'luchando' the '-ing' form, and not 'luchiendo'?
Spanish verbs that end in -ar (like 'luchar') always form their '-ing' version (the gerund) by replacing -ar with -ando. Only verbs ending in -er or -ir use -iendo (like 'comer' -> 'comiendo').
Can I use 'luchando' by itself without 'estar'?
Yes, but it changes meaning slightly! When used alone, it often acts like an adverb, explaining *how* something is done, as in: 'Salió de la pobreza, luchando día y noche' (He got out of poverty, struggling day and night).