Inklingo
Two foxes huddled together whispering in a dark forest, looking like they are making a secret plan.

tramando

tra-MAHN-doh

verbB1regular ar
plotting?developing a secret or clever plan,scheming?planning something often dishonest
Also:up to?informal way to say someone is doing something suspicious,brewing?when a situation is developing quietly

Quick Reference

gerundtramando
past Participletramado
infinitivetramar

📝 In Action

Sé que estás tramando algo.

A2

I know you are up to something.

Los villanos están tramando un plan para escapar.

B1

The villains are plotting a plan to escape.

Algo se está tramando en la oficina.

B2

Something is brewing in the office.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • maquinando (machinating/scheming)
  • planeando (planning)
  • urdiendo (weaving/plotting)

Antonyms

  • improvisando (improvising)

Common Collocations

  • tramando una venganzaplotting revenge
  • tramando un engañoscheming a deception

Idioms & Expressions

  • ¿Qué te traes entre manos?What are you up to?

💡 Grammar Points

The '-ando' ending

In Spanish, adding '-ando' to a verb root is like adding '-ing' in English. It describes an action that is happening right now, usually paired with the verb 'estar' (to be).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Planning vs. Plotting

Mistake: "Using 'tramando' for simple plans like a grocery list."

Correction: Use 'planeando' for normal plans. Use 'tramando' for things that are secret, clever, or slightly mischievous.

⭐ Usage Tips

Tone check

If you say '¿Qué estás tramando?' to a friend with a smile, it's playful. If you say it seriously, it sounds like you don't trust them!

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedestramaran
yotramara
tramaras
vosotrostramarais
nosotrostramáramos
él/ella/ustedtramara

present

ellos/ellas/ustedestramen
yotrame
trames
vosotrostraméis
nosotrostramemos
él/ella/ustedtrame

indicative

preterite

ellos/ellas/ustedestramaron
yotramé
tramaste
vosotrostramasteis
nosotrostramamos
él/ella/ustedtramó

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedestramaban
yotramaba
tramabas
vosotrostramabais
nosotrostramábamos
él/ella/ustedtramaba

present

ellos/ellas/ustedestraman
yotramo
tramas
vosotrostramáis
nosotrostramamos
él/ella/ustedtrama

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: tramando

Question 1 of 1

If you see a child with a sneaky smile and a bucket of water, he is likely...

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'tramando' always bad?

Not necessarily! You could be 'tramando' a surprise birthday party. It just means the plan is a secret for now.