pagando
pah-GAHN-doh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Estoy pagando la hipoteca de la casa.
A1I am paying the mortgage on the house.
Ella aprendió el idioma viajando y pagando clases privadas.
B1She learned the language by traveling and paying for private lessons.
El criminal sigue pagando por sus errores, incluso en prisión.
B2The criminal is still paying for his mistakes, even in prison.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming the Progressive Tense
You use 'pagando' with the verb 'estar' (like 'to be') to show an action happening right now: 'Estoy pagando' (I am paying).
How to Form Gerunds
For all verbs that end in -ar (like 'pagar'), you drop the -ar and add -ando. It's almost always regular!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gerunds and Infinitives
Mistake: "Me gusta pagando. (Incorrect: I like paying.)"
Correction: Me gusta pagar. (Correct: Use the base form 'pagar' after verbs like 'gustar'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Pagando' to Show Method
You can use 'pagando' alone to explain HOW something was achieved: 'Ganó dinero pagando publicidad' (He earned money by paying for advertising).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pagando
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'pagando' to describe an ongoing action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pagando' the same as 'paid'?
No. 'Pagando' means 'paying' (the action is happening now). The word for 'paid' (the result) is usually 'pagado' or 'pagada'.
When do I use 'pagando' instead of the infinitive 'pagar'?
You use 'pagando' when the action is in progress (like 'I am paying'), or when you are describing how an action is done (like 'by paying'). You use 'pagar' as the base form (like 'to pay') or after verbs like 'want' or 'need'.