How to Say "moving" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “moving” is “moviendo” — use 'moviendo' when describing the act of physically displacing or causing motion, often with a direct object or when something is actively being shifted..
moviendo
/moh-vee-EN-doh//moˈβjen.do/
Examples
El perro está moviendo la cola muy rápido.
The dog is moving its tail very fast.
Estamos moviendo las cajas pesadas al camión.
We are moving the heavy boxes to the truck.
El chef está moviendo la sopa para que no se pegue.
The chef is stirring the soup so it doesn't stick.
Forming the Continuous Tense
'Moviendo' is the '-ing' form (the gerund). It combines with 'estar' to show an action happening right now: 'Estoy moviendo' (I am moving).
Using the Gerund Alone
Mistake: “Yo moviendo los muebles.”
Correction: Yo estoy moviendo los muebles. Remember, 'moviendo' needs a helper verb like 'estar' to make a complete sentence.
andando
/an-DAHN-doh//anˈdando/
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.'
moviéndose
Examples
El perro está moviéndose mucho mientras duerme.
The dog is moving a lot while it sleeps.
emocionante
eh-moh-syoh-NAHN-teh/emoˈθjonante/
Examples
El final del partido de fútbol fue realmente emocionante.
The end of the soccer game was truly exciting (or thrilling).
Viajar sola por Asia ha sido la experiencia más emocionante de mi vida.
Traveling alone through Asia has been the most thrilling experience of my life.
Su discurso sobre la unidad nacional fue muy emocionante para todos los presentes.
His speech about national unity was very moving for everyone present.
Gender Agreement
Since 'emocionante' ends in '-e', it describes both masculine and feminine things without changing form (e.g., 'el libro emocionante', 'la película emocionante'). You only need to change the ending to '-es' for plural (e.g., 'los momentos emocionantes').
Action vs. State
Adjectives ending in '-ante' describe the cause of the action. 'Emocionante' means the thing ITSELF is exciting or moving. Contrast this with 'emocionado', which describes the person feeling the excitement.
Confusing Emocionante and Emocionado
Mistake: “Using 'Estoy emocionante' to say 'I am excited'.”
Correction: The correct phrase is 'Estoy emocionado/a' (I am excited). Use 'emocionante' only to describe the thing that caused your feeling: 'La noticia es emocionante' (The news is exciting).
patético
Examples
El discurso del anciano sobre la guerra fue profundamente patético.
The old man's speech about the war was profoundly moving (pitiable).
Physical Motion vs. Emotional Impact
Related Translations
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