How to Say "filming" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “filming” is “filmando” — use 'filmando' when describing the ongoing action of recording a video or movie, similar to the English '-ing' form.
filmando
feel-MAHN-dohfilˈmando
Examples
Estamos filmando un video para YouTube.
We are filming a video for YouTube.
Ellos pasaron todo el día filmando en el parque.
They spent the whole day filming in the park.
¿Qué estás filmando con tu teléfono?
What are you filming with your phone?
The '-ing' action form
Words ending in '-ando' are like English '-ing' words. Use them with the verb 'estar' (to be) to say what is happening right this second.
Missing the helper verb
Mistake: “Yo filmando un video.”
Correction: Yo estoy filmando un video. In Spanish, you almost always need 'estar' (am/is/are) before the '-ando' word.
grabando
grah-BAHN-dohɡɾaˈban̪d̪o
Examples
Estamos grabando un mensaje para mi abuela.
We are recording a message for my grandmother.
¿Estás grabando el concierto con tu celular?
Are you filming the concert with your cell phone?
La cámara de seguridad estuvo grabando toda la noche.
The security camera was recording all night.
Continuous Action
The word 'grabando' is the '-ing' form of 'grabar.' It is almost always used right after the verb 'estar' (to be) to show that an action is happening right now: 'Estoy grabando' (I am recording).
Implied Action
You can sometimes use 'grabando' alone, like an adverb, to describe how someone is doing something: 'Aprendió español viendo y grabando películas' (He learned Spanish by watching and recording movies).
Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'
Mistake: “Soy grabando.”
Correction: Estoy grabando. Remember, the continuous action form (the -ing form) always uses the temporary verb 'estar', not the permanent verb 'ser'.
rodando
ro-DAN-doroˈðando
Examples
Están rodando una escena de acción en el centro.
They are filming an action scene downtown.
Professional Jargon
In professional movie sets, 'rodar' is preferred over 'filmar'.
filmación
Examples
La filmación de la nueva película comenzará en el centro de la ciudad.
The filming of the new movie will start in the city center.
rodaje
rro-DA-kheroˈðaxe
Examples
El rodaje de la película duró seis meses.
The filming of the movie lasted six months.
Tuvimos que detener el rodaje por la lluvia.
We had to stop shooting because of the rain.
Always Masculine
This word is always masculine ('el rodaje'), even if you are talking about a movie with a feminine name.
Verb vs. Noun Confusion
Related Translations
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