Inklingo

How to Say "performing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

actuando

ahk-TWAHN-doh/akˈtwan.do/

GerundA2on stage
Use 'actuando' when referring to acting in a play, movie, or show, essentially performing a role on a stage or screen.
A person on a brightly lit stage wearing a costume, gesturing dramatically with one hand raised, illustrating performing a role.

Examples

Ella está actuando en una comedia musical ahora mismo.

She is acting in a musical comedy right now.

Estuvimos actuando bajo mucha presión durante el ensayo.

We were performing under a lot of pressure during the rehearsal.

Forming the Progressive Tense

Use 'actuando' after the verb 'estar' (to be) to show that the action is happening right now: 'Estamos actuando' (We are acting).

Using the Gerund Alone

You can sometimes use 'actuando' alone to mean 'by acting' or 'while acting': 'Actuando con valentía, salvó el día.' (Acting with bravery, he saved the day.)

Confusing Gerunds and Infinitives

Mistake: “Using 'actuar' when the action is ongoing: 'Estoy actuar en la obra.'”

Correction: Use the gerund for ongoing actions: 'Estoy actuando en la obra.' (I am acting in the play.)

practicando

/prak-ti-KAN-do//pɾaktiˈkando/

Verbal AdverbA1carrying out an action or job
Choose 'practicando' when 'performing' means carrying out a specific action, practicing a skill, or fulfilling a job duty.
A child intently juggling three brightly colored balls, demonstrating the effort of practicing a skill.

Examples

Estoy practicando mi pronunciación todos los días.

I am practicing my pronunciation every day.

Mi hermana está practicando la natación para la competencia.

My sister is practicing swimming for the competition.

Practicando con constancia, verás resultados rápidos.

By practicing consistently, you will see fast results. (Here, it means 'By means of practicing')

The Continuous Action Form

In Spanish, we use the verb 'estar' (to be) followed by 'practicando' to say that the action is happening right now, just like the '-ing' form in English. (E.g., Estoy practicando = I am practicing.)

Function as an Adverb

This form can also explain HOW something is done, or WHEN. For example: 'Practicando, lo lograrás' means 'By practicing, you will achieve it.'

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy practicando.”

Correction: The correct verb is always 'estar' when talking about an action happening in the moment: 'Estoy practicando.' (I am practicing.)

tocando

/toh-KAHN-doh//toˈkando/

verb (gerund)A2music
Use 'tocando' specifically when 'performing' refers to playing a musical instrument.
A pair of hands actively strumming the strings of a simple acoustic guitar.

Examples

Mi hermano está tocando la guitarra en un concierto.

My brother is playing the guitar in a concert.

Están tocando música clásica en el jardín.

They are playing classical music in the garden.

Playing Instruments

In Spanish, the verb 'tocar' is used for playing any musical instrument, unlike English which uses 'play' and 'hit' (for drums) or 'blow' (for wind instruments).

jugando

/hoo-GAHN-doh//xuˈɣan.do/

Verb Form (Gerund)A1acting a role
Use 'jugando' when 'performing' means playing a role, as in acting out a character in a game or a less common theatrical sense.
A smiling child in a bright shirt happily kicking a soccer ball in a grassy field.

Examples

Los niños están jugando en el parque con una pelota.

The children are playing in the park with a ball.

¿Estás jugando al ajedrez o estás estudiando?

Are you playing chess or are you studying?

Mi equipo estuvo jugando muy bien hasta el final del partido.

My team was playing very well until the end of the game.

Using the Continuous Tense

In Spanish, we use the verb 'estar' (to be) followed by the gerund form 'jugando' to describe something happening at the moment: 'Estamos jugando' (We are playing).

Verbs of Motion

You can use 'jugando' after verbs like 'seguir' (to continue) or 'ir' (to go) to show a persistent or progressive action: 'Ella sigue jugando' (She keeps on playing).

Incorrect Preposition for Sports

Mistake: “Estamos jugando fútbol. (Missing 'a'.)”

Correction: Estamos jugando **al** fútbol. When talking about named sports or games, 'jugar' usually requires the preposition 'a' (or 'al' if the name is masculine).

Distinguishing 'acting' from 'playing'

Learners often confuse 'actuando' (acting on stage) with 'jugando' (playing a role). Remember that 'actuando' is for professional acting or stage performance, while 'jugando' is primarily for playing games or, less commonly, acting out a character in a less formal way.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.