persiguiendo
/per-si-gyen-do/
chasing
Persiguiendo means physically chasing someone or something.
persiguiendo(Verb (Gerund))
chasing
?physically running after someone
,running after
?trying to catch
pursuing
?following
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The '-ing' Form
This word is the gerund, which is the Spanish equivalent of the English '-ing' form (like 'running' or 'chasing'). It describes an action in progress.
Continuous Tenses
You must use this form with the verb 'estar' (to be) to form continuous tenses: 'estoy persiguiendo' (I am chasing).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb
Mistake: "Using 'ser' instead of 'estar' (e.g., 'Soy persiguiendo')."
Correction: Always use 'estar' when talking about an action happening in the moment: 'Estoy persiguiendo'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Action in Motion
The verb 'perseguir' implies movement. Use 'persiguiendo' when the chase or pursuit is active and ongoing.
When someone is pursuing a goal or career, they are persiguiendo it.
persiguiendo(Verb (Gerund))
pursuing
?working toward a goal or career
,striving for
?ambition
going after
?figurative pursuit
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Use with 'Llevar'
When describing an action that started in the past and is still happening, use 'llevar' + time + 'persiguiendo': 'Lleva un mes persiguiendo ese contrato' (He has been pursuing that contract for a month).
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Distance
When used for goals, 'persiguiendo' suggests the goal is still distant and requires continuous effort, similar to a literal chase.
In a negative context, persiguiendo can mean persecuting or treating someone unfairly.
persiguiendo(Verb (Gerund))
persecuting
?treating unfairly or harassing
,hounding
?constantly bothering
harassing
?continuously bothering
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Serious Context
This meaning is often used in serious discussions about human rights, politics, or justice, indicating systematic unfair treatment.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: persiguiendo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'persiguiendo' in the sense of 'working toward a goal'?
📚 More Resources
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).