preguntando
preh-goon-TAHN-doh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ella está preguntando por el horario del tren.
A1She is asking about the train schedule.
Pasé toda la mañana preguntando a los vecinos sobre el ruido.
B1I spent all morning asking the neighbors about the noise.
Los niños se quedaron preguntando si Papa Noel vendría.
A2The children kept asking if Santa Claus would come.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'ing' of Spanish
This form, ending in -ando (for -ar verbs) or -iendo (for -er/-ir verbs), is the Spanish equivalent of the English '-ing' form. It shows an action is in progress.
Forming Continuous Tenses
You almost always use 'preguntando' with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to create continuous actions, like 'Estoy preguntando' (I am asking).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gerund and Infinitive
Mistake: "Using 'Estoy preguntar' (I am to ask)."
Correction: Always use the gerund for ongoing actions: 'Estoy preguntando' (I am asking).
⭐ Usage Tips
Action vs. State
Use 'preguntando' only for actions that are physically or mentally happening right now (like 'She is asking'). For general states or habitual actions, use the simple present tense ('Ella pregunta mucho' - She asks a lot).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: preguntando
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'preguntando' to express an action happening right now?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'preguntando' and 'pide'?
'Preguntando' is the 'ing' form of 'preguntar' (to ask a question or seek information). 'Pide' is the conjugated form of 'pedir' (to ask for something, like an object or a favor). For example: 'Está preguntando por ti' (He is asking about you) vs. 'Está pidiendo un favor' (He is asking for a favor).
Can I use 'preguntando' without 'estar'?
Yes, but its meaning changes slightly. When used alone or with other verbs, it acts like an adverb, describing *how* an action is done. Example: 'Aprendió preguntando' (He learned by asking/inquiring).