Inklingo

How to Say "walking" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “walking” is “andando” — use 'andando' when describing an action of walking that is currently in progress, often as part of a continuous tense like 'estar + gerund'. It can also be used adverbially to mean 'on foot'..

English → Spanish

andando

/an-DAHN-doh//anˈdando/

Gerund (Verbal Form)A1General
Use 'andando' when describing an action of walking that is currently in progress, often as part of a continuous tense like 'estar + gerund'. It can also be used adverbially to mean 'on foot'.
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.

Es mejor ir andando que tomar el autobús, está muy cerca.

It is better to go on foot than to take the bus; it's very close.

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.'

Function as 'By Means Of'

When used as an adverb, 'andando' often answers the question 'How?' It means 'by walking' or 'using your feet,' similar to saying 'a pie' (on foot).

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.'

Redundancy with 'A Pie'

Mistake: “Saying 'Voy a pie andando.'”

Correction: Choose one: either 'Voy andando' or 'Voy a pie.' Both mean 'I am going on foot.'

caminando

kah-mee-NAHN-doh/kamiˈnando/

Verb Form (Gerund)A1General
Use 'caminando' specifically to indicate the action of walking as it is happening right now, emphasizing the physical act of moving by foot.
A cheerful, simplified human figure is shown in mid-stride, actively walking across a bright green grassy field, illustrating movement.

Examples

Estoy caminando a casa ahora mismo.

I am walking home right now.

¿Qué estás haciendo? Estamos caminando por el parque.

What are you doing? We are walking through the park.

Ella aprendió mucho caminando con su abuela.

She learned a lot while walking with her grandmother.

Continuous Action

This word is the '-ando' form (like English '-ing'). You use it right after the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action is happening in the present moment: 'Estoy caminando' (I am walking).

Always Unchanging

Unlike adjectives, 'caminando' always stays the same. It never changes to match gender (masculine/feminine) or number (singular/plural) of the person doing the action.

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy caminando.”

Correction: The correct verb for ongoing actions is 'estar': 'Estoy caminando.' 'Ser' is used for permanent qualities, not temporary actions.

Andando vs. Caminando

The main confusion arises because both are gerunds for 'walking'. While often interchangeable in simple present continuous, 'andando' also functions adverbially for 'on foot', a usage 'caminando' does not have. Stick to 'caminando' for the direct action of walking unless you mean 'on foot'.

Related Translations

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