persiguiendo
“persiguiendo” means “chasing” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
chasing, running after
Also: pursuing
📝 In Action
El perro está persiguiendo su propia cola sin parar.
A2The dog is chasing its own tail non-stop.
La policía andaba persiguiendo al sospechoso por toda la ciudad.
B1The police were chasing the suspect all over the city.
pursuing, striving for
Also: going after
📝 In Action
Ella lleva años persiguiendo su sueño de convertirse en escritora.
B1She has been pursuing her dream of becoming a writer for years.
¿Qué estás persiguiendo en tu vida profesional ahora mismo?
B2What are you pursuing in your professional life right now?
persecuting, hounding
Also: harassing
📝 In Action
Los periodistas estaban persiguiendo al político con preguntas difíciles.
B2The journalists were hounding the politician with difficult questions.
El grupo sentía que el régimen los estaba persiguiendo por sus creencias.
C1The group felt the regime was persecuting them for their beliefs.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "persiguiendo" in Spanish:
chasing→going after→harassing→hounding→persecuting→pursuing→running after→striving for→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: persiguiendo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'persiguiendo' in the sense of 'working toward a goal'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *persequi*, formed by combining the prefix *per-* (through, thoroughly) and *sequi* (to follow). The meaning has always been tied to following persistently or thoroughly.
First recorded: 13th century (in Old Spanish as 'perseguir')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'persiguiendo' spelled with an 'i' instead of an 'e' if the infinitive is 'perseguir'?
The verb 'perseguir' is slightly irregular. It belongs to a group of verbs where the vowel 'e' in the stem changes to an 'i' in certain forms, including the gerund. This pattern is common in Spanish verbs like 'pedir' (to ask) which becomes 'pidiendo'.
Can I use 'persiguiendo' by itself, like 'Chasing hard!'?
Generally, no. In Spanish, the gerund usually needs a helper verb, most commonly 'estar' (to be) to form a continuous action (Está persiguiendo). You can also use it with verbs like 'seguir' (Sigue persiguiendo) or 'andar' (Anda persiguiendo).


