Inklingo

How to Say "running" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “running” is “corriendo” — use this when directly describing the physical act of moving quickly on foot, typically to form continuous tenses like 'is running' or 'are running'..

corriendo🔊A1

Use this when directly describing the physical act of moving quickly on foot, typically to form continuous tenses like 'is running' or 'are running'.

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funcionando🔊A2

This is used specifically when describing a machine, device, or system that is in operation or working correctly.

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manejando🔊B1

Use this when referring to the act of managing, handling, or operating a business, project, or situation.

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llevando🔊B1

This translation is used when 'running' implies directing or operating a company or organization, often with a sense of progress or consequence.

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administraciónB1

This noun refers to the 'management' or 'administration' of something, such as resources or affairs, rather than the action of running.

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corriente🔊B2

Use this adjective to mean 'current' or 'present,' often used with time periods like months or in the context of an account balance.

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andando🔊A1

This is a figurative use, implying a slower pace or process, similar to 'going' or 'moving' rather than literal running.

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English → Spanish

corriendo

kohr-RYEHN-doh/koˈrjen.do/

Gerund (The '-ing' action form)A1General
Use this when directly describing the physical act of moving quickly on foot, typically to form continuous tenses like 'is running' or 'are running'.
A happy cartoon child with bright clothes running across a grassy field under a sunny sky, clearly mid-stride.

Examples

Ahora mismo estamos corriendo hacia la meta.

Right now, we are running toward the finish line.

El agua del río estuvo corriendo muy rápido después de la lluvia.

The river water was flowing very fast after the rain.

Continuous Actions (The 'ing' form)

In Spanish, the Gerund (-ndo form) is combined with the verb estar (to be) to show an action happening at the moment of speaking: estoy corriendo (I am running).

Using the Infinitive Instead of the Gerund

Mistake: “Estamos correr.”

Correction: Estamos corriendo. Remember that the -ndo ending is necessary after *estar* to show continuity.

funcionando

/foon-syoh-NAHN-doh//funθjoˈnando/

GerundA2General
This is used specifically when describing a machine, device, or system that is in operation or working correctly.
A simple illustration of two brightly colored interlocking gears actively turning and operating smoothly on a solid background.

Examples

El ascensor no está funcionando. Usa las escaleras.

The elevator is not working. Use the stairs.

Mi teléfono ha estado funcionando muy lento desde la actualización.

My phone has been functioning very slowly since the update.

La nueva estrategia está funcionando mejor de lo que esperábamos.

The new strategy is working better than we expected.

The Progressive Action

The '-ando' ending is the Spanish way of saying that an action is currently happening or in progress, similar to the '-ing' in English. This form is called the gerund.

Using 'Estar'

To say something 'is working' right now, you must combine 'funcionando' with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be), such as 'está funcionando' or 'estaban funcionando'.

Using 'Ser' Instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “El sistema es funcionando.”

Correction: El sistema está funcionando. Remember, 'estar' is used for temporary states or ongoing actions, while 'ser' is for permanent qualities.

manejando

mah-neh-HAHN-doh/ma.neˈxan.do/

GerundB1General
Use this when referring to the act of managing, handling, or operating a business, project, or situation.
A stylized illustration of a person sitting at a desk, neatly organizing and controlling various colorful stacks of paperwork and folders, symbolizing management.

Examples

Ella está manejando muy bien la crisis de la empresa.

She is managing the company's crisis very well.

El director ha estado manejando las finanzas desde su casa.

The director has been handling the finances from home.

Adverbial Use

Sometimes 'manejando' can describe how an action is performed, acting like an adverb: 'Ganó el debate manejando los datos con habilidad' (He won the debate, handling the data skillfully).

llevando

yeh-VAHN-doh/ʝeˈβando/

VerbB1General
This translation is used when 'running' implies directing or operating a company or organization, often with a sense of progress or consequence.
A competent person standing behind a large wooden desk that holds several organized stacks of colored papers, symbolizing management and organization.

Examples

Ella está llevando la empresa a la quiebra.

She is running the company toward bankruptcy.

El equipo está llevando el proyecto con mucho éxito.

The team is handling the project very successfully.

Figurative Use

In this context, 'llevando' means managing or directing, often used when discussing how a process or responsibility is currently being handled.

administración

nounB1Formal
This noun refers to the 'management' or 'administration' of something, such as resources or affairs, rather than the action of running.

Examples

La administración de los recursos naturales es un desafío global.

The management of natural resources is a global challenge.

corriente

koh-rree-EN-teh/koˈrjente/

adjectiveB2General
Use this adjective to mean 'current' or 'present,' often used with time periods like months or in the context of an account balance.
A close-up of a child's hand actively holding a paintbrush, applying bright red paint to a canvas, emphasizing the present moment.

Examples

El mes corriente finaliza el jueves.

The current month ends on Thursday.

Necesito revisar mi cuenta corriente.

I need to check my current account (checking account).

Time Marker

When used for time ('mes corriente'), it is placed after the noun, just like most descriptive Spanish adjectives.

andando

/an-DAHN-doh//anˈdando/

Gerund (Verbal Form)A1Informal
This is a figurative use, implying a slower pace or process, similar to 'going' or 'moving' rather than literal running.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a simplified figure mid-stride, actively walking along a path.

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.'

Running vs. Working

A frequent error is using 'corriendo' for machines. Remember that 'corriendo' is for people or animals physically running. For machines or devices that are working, use 'funcionando'.

Related Translations

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