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How to Say "practicing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

practicando

prak-ti-KAN-dopɾaktiˈkando

Verbal Adverb (Gerund)A1general
Use this word when referring to the act of actively working on and improving a skill through repetition, like learning a language or a musical instrument.
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.)

entrenando

en-treh-NAN-dohentɾeˈnando

verbA2general
Choose this word when referring to physical or mental exertion, typically in preparation for a sport, competition, or demanding task.
A person in athletic clothes jogging along a bright, sunny park path.

Examples

Estoy entrenando para el maratón de la próxima semana.

I am training for the marathon next week.

Llevamos tres horas entrenando en la cancha.

We have been practicing on the court for three hours.

Ella está entrenando a los nuevos empleados.

She is training the new employees.

The '-ando' ending

In Spanish, the '-ando' ending is just like the English '-ing' ending for 'ar' verbs. It shows that the action is happening right now.

Pairing with 'Estar'

To say 'I am training,' you must use the verb 'estar' (to be) followed by 'entrenando.' Example: 'Estoy entrenando.'

Don't use as a noun

Mistake: “Me gusta el entrenando.”

Correction: Me gusta el entrenamiento. Use 'entrenamiento' for the noun (the workout) and 'entrenando' only for the action.

militante

mee-lee-TAHN-tehmiliˈtante

adjectiveB2formal
Use this adjective to describe someone who is a very active and committed follower of a particular belief system, especially a religion.
A person kneeling in a garden, carefully planting a small tree while wearing a shirt with a heart symbol.

Examples

Él es un católico militante.

He is a practicing/active Catholic.

Tiene una actitud militante contra la injusticia.

She has an active/combative stance against injustice.

Su postura militante le ha traído algunos problemas.

His activist-like stance has brought him some problems.

Gender-Neutral Adjective

Adjectives ending in -e don't change for gender. You can say 'un hombre militante' or 'una mujer militante'.

Practicing a Skill vs. Training for an Event

The most common mistake is using 'entrenando' when you mean 'practicando' a skill. 'Entrenando' implies rigorous physical or mental preparation for an event, like sports. 'Practicando' is for the daily work of improving an ability.

Related Translations

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