Inklingo

How to Say "giving" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dando

/DAHN-doh//ˈdando/

Verbal Adverb (Gerund)A1
Use 'dando' when you mean the ongoing action of physically handing something to someone or performing an action, like giving a speech or a gift.
A smiling child is actively extending a bright red apple with both hands towards an adult, symbolizing the action of giving.

Examples

Mi hermana está dando un discurso muy importante.

My sister is giving a very important speech.

Están dando el premio al mejor estudiante en este momento.

They are giving the award to the best student right now.

El sol estaba dando directamente en mis ojos, no podía ver.

The sun was shining (giving) directly into my eyes, I couldn't see.

The Continuous Action Form

"Dando" is the form you use when an action is happening right now, or when it is continuous. It almost always follows a form of the verb "estar" (to be), as in: "Estoy dando" (I am giving).

When to Use Gerunds

In Spanish, the -ando ending (like 'dando') is used for verbs ending in -ar (like 'dar'). For verbs ending in -er or -ir, you use -iendo.

Using the Infinitive Instead

Mistake: “Está dar un paseo.”

Correction: Está dando un paseo. (The continuous form is needed to show the action is happening now.)

Placement with Pronouns

Mistake: “Lo está dando. (Perfectly acceptable, but less common in beginner usage.)”

Correction: Está dándolo. (In Spanish, you can attach small object words like 'lo' (it) directly to the gerund, making it 'dándolo'.)

generosa

/heh-neh-ROH-sah//xe.ne.ˈɾo.sa/

adjectiveA2
Use 'generosa' to describe a person's character trait of being unselfish and willing to share their resources, time, or money.
A friendly child sharing a bright red apple with another child.

Examples

Ella es muy generosa con sus amigos.

She is very generous with her friends.

Fue una oferta generosa que no pudimos rechazar.

It was a generous offer that we couldn't refuse.

Describing Feminine Words

This word ends in 'a' because it is used to describe girls, women, or things that are feminine in Spanish (like 'una idea' or 'la gente').

Matching the Gender

Mistake: “El hombre es generosa.”

Correction: El hombre es generoso. Use 'generosa' only when the person or thing you are talking about is feminine.

Action vs. Character

The most common mistake is using 'generosa' when you mean the act of 'giving' something. Remember, 'dando' refers to the action itself, while 'generosa' describes someone's generous personality.

Related Translations

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