How to Say "doing" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “doing” is “haciendo” — use 'haciendo' for any general, ongoing action or activity that is currently happening..
haciendo
/ah-see-EN-doh//aˈsjendo/
Examples
¿Qué estás haciendo?
What are you doing?
Estoy haciendo la cena.
I am making dinner.
Llevo dos horas haciendo mi tarea.
I've been doing my homework for two hours.
The 'In Progress' Word (-ing Form)
'Haciendo' is the Spanish version of 'doing' or 'making'. You almost always use it with a helper verb like 'estar' to talk about what's happening right now, just like '-ing' in English.
How to Form '-iendo' Words
To make the '-ing' form for most verbs ending in '-er' or '-ir', you just swap the ending for '-iendo'. For example, 'comer' becomes 'comiendo' (eating) and 'vivir' becomes 'viviendo' (living).
Don't Use It Like an Adjective
Mistake: “El hombre haciendo café es mi padre.”
Correction: In Spanish, you can't usually use the '-iendo' form to describe a person or thing directly. Instead, say: 'El hombre que está haciendo café es mi padre' (The man who is making coffee is my father).
Using it for the Future
Mistake: “Estoy haciendo mi tarea mañana.”
Correction: 'Estar + -iendo' is for right now or around the current time. For the future, it's better to say 'Voy a hacer mi tarea mañana' (I'm going to do my homework tomorrow).
practicando
/prak-ti-KAN-do//pɾaktiˈkando/
Examples
Estoy practicando mi pronunciación todos los días.
I am practicing my pronunciation every day.
Mi hermana está practicando la natación para la competencia.
My sister is practicing swimming for the competition.
Practicando con constancia, verás resultados rápidos.
By practicing consistently, you will see fast results. (Here, it means 'By means of practicing')
The Continuous Action Form
In Spanish, we use the verb 'estar' (to be) followed by 'practicando' to say that the action is happening right now, just like the '-ing' form in English. (E.g., Estoy practicando = I am practicing.)
Function as an Adverb
This form can also explain HOW something is done, or WHEN. For example: 'Practicando, lo lograrás' means 'By practicing, you will achieve it.'
Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'
Mistake: “Soy practicando.”
Correction: The correct verb is always 'estar' when talking about an action happening in the moment: 'Estoy practicando.' (I am practicing.)
General Action vs. Specific Practice
Related Translations
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