Inklingo

How to Say "ongoing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

en curso

nounB2general
Use 'en curso' when referring to a project, process, or activity that is currently in progress and has not been completed yet.

Examples

El proyecto de construcción está en curso y terminará el mes que viene.

The construction project is underway and will finish next month.

continua

kohn-TEE-nwah/konˈtinwa/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'continua' to describe a process or activity that is happening without interruption or significant pauses.
A bright red ribbon winding continuously across a green grassy field, flowing smoothly from the foreground to the background without any breaks.

Examples

La lluvia fue continua durante toda la noche.

The rain was continuous throughout the whole night.

La empresa requiere una mejora continua de sus procesos.

The company requires ongoing improvement of its processes.

En la carretera, una línea continua prohíbe adelantar.

On the road, a continuous line prohibits passing.

Gender Agreement

Since 'continua' is an adjective, it must match the feminine noun it describes (e.g., 'una acción continua'). For masculine nouns, always use 'continuo'.

Confusing Adjective and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'continua' when you mean the verb 'she continues' ('ella continua').”

Correction: The verb form for 'she continues' must have an accent: 'continúa'. 'Continua' (no accent) is only the descriptive word (adjective).

abierta

/ah-BYEHR-tah//aˈβjeɾta/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'abierta' when something, like an investigation, debate, or opportunity, is still open for participation, submission, or resolution.
A winding dirt path stretching far into the distance over a hill.

Examples

La inscripción para la conferencia aún está abierta.

Registration for the conference is still open (available).

Esta es una herida abierta en la historia de nuestro país.

This is an open wound (a serious, unresolved issue) in the history of our country.

Dejaron la discusión abierta para la próxima semana.

They left the discussion open (unresolved) for next week.

Choosing between 'en curso' and 'continua'

Learners often confuse 'en curso' (underway, in progress) with 'continua' (continuous, uninterrupted). Remember that 'en curso' emphasizes that something is not finished, like a project, while 'continua' describes the uninterrupted nature of an action, like persistent rain.

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