How to Say "causing" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “causing” is “causando” — use 'causando' when directly making an event or situation happen, similar to the English 'causing' in its most direct sense..
causando
/cow-SAHN-doh//kau̯ˈsando/
Examples
La lluvia está causando mucho tráfico.
The rain is causing a lot of traffic.
Estás causando una buena impresión.
You are making (causing) a good impression.
El ruido sigue causando molestias a los vecinos.
The noise continues causing annoyance to the neighbors.
The '-ando' Ending
This word is a 'gerund,' which is just a fancy way of saying it's the '-ing' form of the verb. In Spanish, '-ar' verbs change their ending to '-ando' to show an action is in progress.
Using it as a Noun
Mistake: “Using 'causando' to mean 'the causing of something.'”
Correction: In Spanish, we use the noun 'la causa' or the infinitive 'causar' instead. For example, say 'Causar problemas es malo' not 'Causando problemas es malo'.
trayendo
/tra-YEN-do//tɾaˈʝendo/
Examples
Su decisión está trayendo problemas económicos.
His decision is bringing economic problems.
Estoy trayendo las bebidas a la mesa.
I am bringing the drinks to the table.
Él siempre viene trayendo buenas noticias.
He always comes bringing good news.
El viento está trayendo mucha lluvia.
The wind is bringing a lot of rain.
The 'Y' Rule
In Spanish, if the part of the verb that usually changes ends in a vowel, we use a 'y' instead of an 'i' for the -ing form to make it easier to pronounce. That is why it is 'trayendo' and not 'traiendo'.
Action in Progress
Use this word with the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe what someone is doing right at this moment.
Spelling with 'I'
Mistake: “traiendo”
Correction: trayendo. Always use the 'y' when the 'i' would be stuck between two vowels.
Bringing vs. Taking
Mistake: “Using 'trayendo' to mean taking something away.”
Correction: Use 'trayendo' only when the object is coming TOWARD the person speaking. Use 'llevando' for moving things away.
dejando
deh-HAHN-doh/deˈxando/
Examples
El discurso fue tan emotivo, dejando a la audiencia en silencio.
The speech was so emotional, resulting in the audience being silent.
La lluvia estaba cayendo fuerte, dejando un rastro de lodo.
The rain was falling heavily, leaving a trail of mud.
Adverbial Function
In this usage, 'dejando' often acts like an adverb, describing how the main action affects the situation or the people involved.
metiendo
meh-tee-EN-doh/meˈtjen.do/
Examples
Mi hermano siempre está metiéndose en líos.
My brother is always getting into trouble.
Ella no quiere que estemos metiendo las narices en su vida.
She doesn't want us interfering in her life (literally: 'putting our noses').
The 'Se' Form
When 'meter' means 'to get involved,' it usually needs 'se' attached (meterse). The gerund becomes 'metiéndose' or 'se está metiendo'.
Mixing up 'meter' and 'poner'
Mistake: “Using 'poniendo la llave' instead of 'metiendo la llave'.”
Correction: 'Poner' means 'to place on top of,' while 'meter' means 'to insert into' or 'to put inside.' Use 'metiendo' for insertion.
Direct vs. Indirect Causation
Related Translations
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