Inklingo

How to Say "flying" in Spanish

English → Spanish

volando

voh-LAHN-dohboˈlan.do

Verb Form (Gerund)A1General
Use 'volando' when describing an action in progress, typically referring to something that is currently in the air and moving.
A bright blue stylized bird soaring high in a sunny blue sky with its wings fully extended.

Examples

El pájaro está volando hacia el árbol.

The bird is flying towards the tree.

El avión está volando sobre las montañas.

The plane is flying over the mountains.

Estuvimos volando por diez horas hasta llegar a Madrid.

We were flying for ten hours until we arrived in Madrid.

The Gerund Form

'Volando' is the '-ando' form, which is Spanish's equivalent to the English '-ing' form. It describes an action that is currently happening.

Progressive Tenses

You combine 'volando' with a form of 'estar' (to be) to make progressive tenses, like 'está volando' (is flying) or 'estaba volando' (was flying).

volador

bo-lah-DORbolaˈðoɾ

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'volador' to describe something that has the ability to fly or is in the process of flying, often used in compound nouns like 'flying saucer'.
A colorful bird with its wings spread wide, soaring through a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Examples

Esa mariposa es un insecto volador.

That butterfly is a flying insect.

Creen que vieron un platillo volador en el bosque.

They believe they saw a flying saucer in the forest.

Me gustaría tener una alfombra voladora.

I would like to have a flying carpet.

El pez volador saltó fuera del agua.

The flying fish jumped out of the water.

Making it Feminine

When describing a feminine noun, you must change the ending to 'voladora'. For example: 'una alfombra voladora'.

Position of the Word

Like most adjectives in Spanish, this word usually goes after the noun it describes (e.g., 'platillo volador').

Confusing with the verb

Mistake: “La pájaro está volador.”

Correction: El pájaro está volando. Use 'volando' for the action of flying, and 'volador' to describe the type of creature.

aviación

NounB1General
Use 'aviación' when referring to the industry, system, or activity of aircraft operation and design.

Examples

La historia de la aviación es fascinante.

The history of aviation is fascinating.

Action vs. Ability vs. Industry

The most common mistake is using 'volador' (adjective for ability to fly) when you mean the action of flying ('volando') or the industry ('aviación'). Remember, 'volando' is an action in progress, 'volador' describes a thing's capability, and 'aviación' refers to the field of aircraft.

Related Translations

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