respirando
“respirando” means “breathing” in Spanish (action in progress).
📝 In Action
El corredor está respirando profundamente después de la carrera.
A1The runner is breathing deeply after the race.
Llegó a la cima de la montaña, respirando con dificultad.
B1He arrived at the top of the mountain, breathing with difficulty.
Ella pasó la tarde respirando el aire fresco del mar.
A2She spent the afternoon breathing the fresh sea air.
Word Connections
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Imperfect
Present
Preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: respirando
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'respirando' to describe an ongoing action?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
The word comes directly from the Latin verb *respirare*, which is formed by combining *re-* (meaning 'again' or 'back') and *spirare* (meaning 'to breathe' or 'to blow'). Essentially, it describes the cycle of drawing air back in.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'respirando' and 'respirar'?
'Respirar' is the base verb (to breathe). 'Respirando' is the action form (breathing). You use 'respirando' when the action is happening right now or was happening continuously in the past, often paired with 'estar'.
Can 'respirando' ever be used as an adjective?
No. Unlike some English '-ing' words (like 'interesting'), 'respirando' is strictly used to describe an action in progress, either with 'estar' or as an adverb describing another verb.