What is the difference between "entrando", "entrante" in Spanish?

The English word 'entering' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on the context. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most accurate and natural-sounding Spanish word.

How to Say "entering" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “entering” is “entrando” — use 'entrando' to describe the ongoing physical action of moving into a place or space.

entrando🔊A1

Use 'entrando' to describe the ongoing physical action of moving into a place or space.

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entrante🔊B1

Use 'entrante' to refer to something that is coming next, such as a month or a year, or to describe someone who is new to a role.

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English → Spanish

entrando

en-TRAN-dohenˈtɾan.do

Verb Form (Gerund)A1General

Use 'entrando' to describe the ongoing physical action of moving into a place or space.

A small child is depicted in motion, stepping across the threshold of a blue door frame, illustrating the physical action of entering a room.

Examples

Mi perro está entrando a la cocina ahora mismo.

My dog is entering the kitchen right now.

Ella se cayó justo cuando estaba entrando al edificio.

She fell down just as she was going into the building.

Entrando por la puerta principal, verás el pasillo.

Entering through the main door, you will see the hallway.

Continuous Action

Use 'entrando' with the verb 'estar' (like 'estoy', 'estás', 'está') to talk about something happening right now: 'Estamos entrando' (We are entering).

Adverbial Use

'Entrando' can also describe how an action is performed, often meaning 'upon entering' or 'by entering': 'Entrando, vi a mi amigo' (Upon entering, I saw my friend).

Confusing 'entrar' and 'meter'

Mistake: “Using 'entrar' when you mean 'to put something inside' (e.g., 'Entrando la llave en la cerradura').”

Correction: Use 'meter' for placing objects inside: 'Metiendo la llave...' (Putting the key...). 'Entrando' is for a person or thing moving itself inside.

See full entry for “entrando” →

entrante

en-trahn-tehenˈtɾante

AdjectiveB1General

Use 'entrante' to refer to something that is coming next, such as a month or a year, or to describe someone who is new to a role.

A person wearing a professional suit shaking hands while stepping into a bright new office.

Examples

Tengo mucho trabajo el mes entrante.

I have a lot of work next month.

El presidente entrante tomará posesión en enero.

The incoming president will take office in January.

La semana entrante sabremos los resultados.

We will know the results next week.

One Form for All

Since this word ends in -e, it doesn't change for men or women (or masculine and feminine objects). You say 'el mes entrante' and 'la semana entrante'.

Avoid 'Entranta'

Mistake: “Saying 'la semana entranta'.”

Correction: Adjectives ending in -e like 'entrante' are gender-neutral. Always use 'entrante' regardless of the noun's gender.

See full entry for “entrante” →

Gerund vs. Adjective

The most common mistake is using the gerund 'entrando' when you mean 'next' or 'coming'. Remember, 'entrando' describes an action in progress, while 'entrante' describes something that is next in sequence.

Related Translations

appetizer→beginning→coming in→getting into→going in→hors d'oeuvre→incoming→next→

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