How to Say "causing" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “causing” is “causando” — use this when directly stating that one thing is making another thing happen, often with a negative consequence.
causando
cow-SAHN-dohkau̯ˈsando
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-dotɾaˈʝendo
Examples
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.
poniendo
po-NYEN-dopoˈnjendo
Examples
¿Quién está poniendo esa música tan fuerte?
Who is putting on (playing) that music so loud?
El jefe nos está poniendo mucha presión para terminar a tiempo.
The boss is putting a lot of pressure on us to finish on time.
El sol está poniendo mi piel roja.
The sun is making my skin red.
Creating a State
In Spanish, 'poner' can mean 'to make/cause' someone or something to enter a state, often used with adjectives (e.g., 'poniendo triste' = making sad). This is different from the reflexive 'ponerse' (to become).
Using 'Hacer' instead of 'Poner'
Mistake: “Está haciendo la música. (He is making the music.)”
Correction: Está poniendo la música. (Use 'poner' for playing or broadcasting media.)
dejando
deh-HAHN-dohdeˈxando
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-dohmeˈtjen.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.
Causing vs. Bringing About
Related Translations
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