How to Say "running" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “running” is “corriendo” — use this when referring to the physical act of running or to form continuous tenses indicating an action in progress.
corriendo
kohr-RYEHN-dohkoˈrjen.do
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-dohfunθjoˈnando
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.
llevando
yeh-VAHN-dohʝeˈβando
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.
manejando
mah-neh-HAHN-dohma.neˈxan.do
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).
administración
Examples
La administración de los recursos naturales es un desafío global.
The management of natural resources is a global challenge.
consecutivo
kon-seh-koo-TEE-bokonsekuˈtiβo
Examples
Llovió durante tres días consecutivos.
It rained for three consecutive days.
Es el cuarto año consecutivo que ganan el trofeo.
It is the fourth year in a row that they win the trophy.
Los números 5, 6 y 7 son consecutivos.
The numbers 5, 6, and 7 are consecutive.
Matching the Ending
Since this is an adjective, it must match the word it describes. Use 'consecutivo' for masculine words like 'días' and 'consecutiva' for feminine words like 'semanas'.
Placement Matters
In Spanish, 'consecutivo' almost always comes after the noun (the thing it describes), just like in the phrase 'días consecutivos'.
Using the wrong gender
Mistake: “Tres veces consecutivos.”
Correction: Tres veces consecutivas. (Because 'vez' is a feminine word).
corriente
koh-rree-EN-tehkoˈrjente
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.
lineal
lee-neh-AHLli.neˈal
Examples
Compramos cinco metros lineales de tela.
We bought five linear meters of fabric.
El presupuesto se calcula por metro lineal.
The budget is calculated per linear meter.
Placement
When used for measurement, it almost always comes right after the unit (e.g., metros lineales).
Lineal vs. Cuadrado
Mistake: “Necesito tres metros lineales de alfombra para cubrir el suelo.”
Correction: Necesito tres metros cuadrados de alfombra.
andando
an-DAHN-dohanˈdando
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.'
prendido
pren-DEE-dohpɾenˈdiðo
Examples
La luz de la cocina está prendida.
The kitchen light is on.
Dejaste el televisor prendido toda la noche.
You left the TV on all night.
El fuego ya está bien prendido.
The fire is already well lit.
Using with 'Estar'
Use this word with 'estar' when you want to describe the state of something (e.g., 'the light IS on').
Gender Agreement
Remember to change the ending to 'prendida' if the object is feminine, like 'la radio' or 'la luz'.
Confusing with 'en'
Mistake: “La luz está en.”
Correction: La luz está prendida. (In Spanish, you can't just say 'is on' using a preposition; you need an adjective like 'prendido'.)
Gerunds for Machines vs. Actions
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