How to Say "looming" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “looming” is “amenazando” — use this when a specific, often negative, event or situation is actively threatening to occur, like a storm approaching or someone threatening to take action..
amenazando
ah-may-nah-SAHN-doh/ameˈnasando/
Examples
El mal tiempo está amenazando con arruinar nuestro picnic.
The bad weather is threatening to ruin our picnic.
Me está amenazando con llamar a la policía.
He is threatening me with calling the police.
Las nubes negras están amenazando tormenta.
The black clouds are threatening a storm.
Sigue amenazando a sus rivales políticos.
He continues threatening his political rivals.
The '-ando' Ending
This word is the 'action form' of the verb. It works like the English '-ing' ending, showing that the threatening is happening right now.
Using 'Con'
When you want to say what the person is threatening to do, use the word 'con' (with). For example: 'Amenazando con irse' (Threatening to leave).
Threat vs. Threatening
Mistake: “Using 'amenazando' when you mean the noun 'threat'.”
Correction: Use 'amenaza' for the noun (a threat) and 'amenazando' only for the action (threatening).
inminente
/een-mee-NEN-teh//inmiˈnente/
Examples
La llegada de los resultados del examen es inminente.
The arrival of the exam results is imminent.
El comienzo del partido es inminente.
The start of the game is imminent.
Ante el peligro inminente, la gente abandonó el edificio.
Faced with imminent danger, people left the building.
Los científicos advierten que una erupción es inminente.
Scientists warn that an eruption is imminent.
One Form for Everyone
This word is a 'neutral' adjective. It stays exactly the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (el peligro inminente) or a feminine noun (la llegada inminente).
Word Placement
In Spanish, this word almost always comes after the noun it describes to give it more emphasis.
The 'E' vs 'I' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'eminente' when you mean 'soon.'”
Correction: Use 'inminente' for things happening soon. 'Eminente' means someone is very distinguished or famous.
Threatening vs. Approaching
Related Translations
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