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How to Say "experiencing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “experiencing” is “teniendo” — use 'teniendo' when referring to the ongoing process of feeling or undergoing something, often related to luck, possessions, or general states..

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teniendo

/teh-NYEN-doh//teˈnjendo/

VerbA1General
Use 'teniendo' when referring to the ongoing process of feeling or undergoing something, often related to luck, possessions, or general states.
A happy child is sitting on green grass, actively holding the string of a bright red balloon.

Examples

Estamos teniendo mucha suerte en este viaje.

We are experiencing a lot of luck on this trip.

Ella dijo que estaba teniendo un poco de frío.

She said she was feeling a little cold (literally: was having a little cold).

El director no pudo asistir porque estaba teniendo una reunión urgente.

The director couldn't attend because he was having an urgent meeting.

Forming Continuous Actions

Teniendo is the 'gerund' (the -ing form) of 'tener'. To show that the action of having/experiencing is happening right now, you pair it with the verb 'estar': estar + teniendo.

Irregular Gerund

Most Spanish verbs change the ending to -ando or -iendo. 'Tener' is irregular because it keeps the vowel 'e' from its stem, leading to 'teniendo' instead of the expected (but incorrect) 'tiniendo'.

Using 'Teniendo' for Permanent Possession

Mistake: “Estoy teniendo dos coches.”

Correction: Tengo dos coches. (Use the simple present tense (tengo) for things you own permanently, not the continuous form.)

Mispronouncing the 'ie' combination

Mistake: “/teh-nee-en-doh/”

Correction: The combination 'ie' acts as a single sound cluster (a diphthong). Practice saying /teh-NYEN-doh/ as a quick, smooth glide.

viviendo

/vee-vee-EN-doh//bi'βjen̪do/

Verb FormB1General
Choose 'viviendo' when describing the experience of undergoing significant situations, intense emotions, or historical events.
A young, joyful person standing on a grassy hill with arms outstretched at sunset, feeling the strong wind, symbolizing undergoing an experience.

Examples

Estamos viviendo momentos de mucha tensión política.

We are experiencing moments of great political tension.

Ella sigue viviendo el recuerdo de aquel viaje.

She continues to live (or cherish) the memory of that trip.

Si estás viviendo un período de estrés, busca ayuda.

If you are going through a period of stress, seek help.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'viviendo' emphasizes the duration and emotional depth of the experience, suggesting the situation is currently unfolding or consuming attention.

Using 'Teniendo' for Intense Situations

Learners often mistakenly use 'teniendo' for significant life events or intense emotions. Remember that 'viviendo' is more appropriate for situations that feel like 'living through' something important or impactful.

Related Translations

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