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How to Say "going" in Spanish

English → Spanish

yendo

YEN-doh/ˈʝen.do/

GerundA1General
Use 'yendo' when describing an action that is currently in progress, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the movement or activity.
A high-quality storybook illustration showing a simplified figure actively walking forward, mid-stride, on a green path under a blue sky.

Examples

Estamos yendo al centro comercial ahora mismo.

We are going to the mall right now.

Llevo tres horas yendo de una reunión a otra.

I've been going from one meeting to another for three hours.

Ellos se están yendo de vacaciones mañana.

They are going away on vacation tomorrow.

The Progressive Tense

You use 'yendo' most often with the verb 'estar' (like 'to be' + '-ing' in English) to talk about movement that is happening right now: 'Estamos yendo' (We are going).

The 'Y' Gerund Rule

Mistake: “ir -> iendo”

Correction: The correct form is 'yendo'. Spanish uses a 'y' instead of an 'i' when the stem of the verb (like 'ir') ends in a vowel. This prevents two 'i' sounds from crashing together.

andando

/an-DAHN-doh//anˈdando/

GerundA1General
Use 'andando' specifically when referring to the physical act of walking, or metaphorically when something is functioning or progressing.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a simplified figure mid-stride, actively walking along a path.

Examples

Mi abuela está andando más despacio últimamente.

My grandmother is walking slower lately.

¿Qué estás haciendo? Estoy andando por el parque.

What are you doing? I am walking through the park.

Este reloj ha estado andando perfectamente por años.

This watch has been running perfectly for years.

Forming Continuous Tenses

Use 'andando' after a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estamos andando' means 'We are walking.'

Verbs of Continuation

You can also use 'andando' after verbs like 'seguir' (to continue) or 'ir' (to go) to mean 'to keep walking' or 'to go on doing something.'

Mixing up 'Andar' and 'Caminar'

Mistake: “Using 'andar' when you specifically mean walking for exercise or leisure (e.g., 'Voy a andar por la playa').”

Correction: While understandable, 'caminar' is usually preferred for intentional, recreational walking. 'Andar' often means just 'to be moving' or 'to function.'

ida

EE-dah/ˈiða/

NounA1General
Use 'ida' as a noun to refer to the act of leaving, a departure, or a one-way trip.
A simple storybook illustration of a straight, empty dirt path leading away from the viewer toward distant green hills and a bright blue sky, symbolizing the start of a journey.

Examples

Necesito un billete de ida a Madrid.

I need a one-way ticket to Madrid.

La ida y vuelta duró tres horas.

The round trip lasted three hours.

La ida al aeropuerto fue muy rápida.

The going (trip) to the airport was very fast.

Always Feminine

Even though it relates to the verb 'ir' (to go), 'ida' is a noun and is always feminine, requiring the article 'la' or 'una'.

Confusing 'Ida' and 'Viaje'

Mistake: “Using 'ida' when you mean the entire trip.”

Correction: 'Ida' specifically means the *outbound* part of the trip. Use 'viaje' for the whole journey unless you are contrasting it with the 'vuelta' (return).

Gerund vs. Noun for 'Going'

The most common mistake is using the Spanish noun 'ida' when you mean an ongoing action. Remember that 'yendo' and 'andando' are verb forms describing an action in progress, while 'ida' is a noun referring to the act of leaving or a trip itself.

Related Translations

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