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How to Say "observing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

observando

ohb-ser-VAHN-doh/oβ.seɾˈβan.do/

verbA1general
Use this word when you mean the act of watching or looking at something attentively, like a scientist studying a phenomenon or someone watching a scene.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a child wearing a red shirt intently looking through a large pair of binoculars.

Examples

El científico está observando el comportamiento de los pájaros.

The scientist is observing the birds' behavior.

El astrónomo está observando las estrellas esta noche.

The astronomer is observing the stars tonight.

Ella aprendió mucho solo observando cómo lo hacía su madre.

She learned a lot just by observing how her mother did it.

Estuve observando su comportamiento para ver si había algo raro.

I was watching his behavior to see if there was anything strange.

The Continuous Action Form

This word is the '-ing' form of the verb 'observar.' It is used with the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estoy observando' (I am observing).

Action Happening at the Same Time

You can use 'observando' by itself to show that two actions are happening simultaneously: 'Aprendió observando' (He learned by observing).

Using the wrong helper verb

Mistake: “Soy observando.”

Correction: Estoy observando. You must always use 'estar' (the temporary 'to be') with the '-ando' form to talk about ongoing actions.

celebrando

/seh-leh-BRAHN-doh//seleˈβɾando/

verbA1general
Choose this translation when 'observing' means participating in or holding a special event, like a holiday, birthday, or anniversary.
A group of joyful animals wearing colorful party hats and throwing confetti in the air.

Examples

Estamos celebrando nuestra boda este fin de semana.

We are celebrating our wedding this weekend.

Estamos celebrando tu cumpleaños.

We are celebrating your birthday.

Ellos están celebrando la victoria en la calle.

They are celebrating the victory in the street.

Pasamos todo el día celebrando.

We spent the whole day celebrating.

The '-ando' Ending

In Spanish, verbs that end in '-ar' change to '-ando' to mean 'doing' something. It's just like adding '-ing' in English.

Using 'Estar'

To say you are currently celebrating, always use a form of 'estar' (to be) before 'celebrando'.

Missing the 'to be' verb

Mistake: “Yo celebrando mi cumpleaños.”

Correction: Estoy celebrando mi cumpleaños. In Spanish, you can't just use the '-ando' form alone to mean 'I am celebrating'; you need the 'am' (estoy) part.

guardando

/gwar-DAN-do//ɡwaɾˈðando/

verbB1general
Use this word when 'observing' means adhering to or keeping something, such as a rule, a promise, a secret, or a tradition.
A person with a finger over their lips in a gesture for silence.

Examples

Ella está guardando silencio durante el examen.

She is observing silence during the exam.

Él está guardando un secreto muy importante.

He is keeping a very important secret.

Todos están guardando silencio en la biblioteca.

Everyone is keeping silent in the library.

Observing vs. Celebrating

Learners often confuse 'observing' a holiday with 'celebrating' it. Remember that 'celebrando' is for joyful events and festivities, while 'observando' in this sense is more about participating in or marking the occasion.

Related Translations

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