Inklingo

How to Say "underway" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “underway” is “en curso” — use 'en curso' when you want to say that a process or project is currently happening or in motion, often implying it will eventually conclude..

English → Spanish

en curso

KOOR-soh/ˈkuɾso/

nounB2
Use 'en curso' when you want to say that a process or project is currently happening or in motion, often implying it will eventually conclude.
A winding yellow brick road stretching from the foreground toward a distant, sunlit horizon, symbolizing a journey or process currently underway.

Examples

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

The construction project is underway and will finish next month.

Las negociaciones siguen en curso a pesar de los problemas.

The negotiations are still in progress despite the problems.

Fixed Phrase

The expression 'en curso' is a fixed phrase, meaning it is almost always used exactly this way, usually following a noun to describe its status.

comenzado

co-men-ZAH-doh/ko.menˈsa.ðo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'comenzado' to describe something that has already begun or been initiated, focusing on its state of having started.
A simple illustration of a wooden easel holding a large white canvas. Only a single, distinct brushstroke of bright blue paint is visible in the bottom left corner, showing the painting has just begun.

Examples

El proyecto comenzado requiere mucha atención.

The started project requires a lot of attention.

La reunión estaba comenzada cuando llegamos.

The meeting was underway (started) when we arrived.

Las obras ya comenzadas no se pueden detener.

The works already started cannot be stopped.

Agreement is Key

When 'comenzado' acts as an adjective, it must match the noun it describes. For a feminine noun like 'la fiesta', you must say 'la fiesta comenzada'.

Use with Ser/Estar

It often follows 'estar' to describe the resulting state ('The meeting is started/underway'), or 'ser' if you are describing a permanent characteristic or using the passive voice.

Choosing Between 'en curso' and 'comenzado'

Learners often confuse 'en curso' and 'comenzado' because both relate to something having started. Remember that 'en curso' emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity, while 'comenzado' simply states that it has begun.

Related Translations

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