How to Translate a Present Participle to Spanish

The Spanish present participle is an important tool for conversation.

Little difference exists between the present tense and present participle in Spanish. For example, the verb "to speak" becomes "I speak" (simple present) and "I am speaking" (present participle) in English. In Spanish ,"hablo" is used for both. This pattern holds for most instances where a present participle form is needed. However, Spanish has a different set of rules for what it calls the "gerundio" form. Though not as commonly used in Spanish as in English, this conjugation can help you achieve a better command of the language.

Instructions

1. Determine if the use of the gerundio form is necessary. Unlike in English, the Spanish present participle is used almost exclusively to emphasize an ongoing action. For example, "hablando" would mean "in the process of speaking." It is often the case that the Spanish simple present tense (e.g., "hablo") is the best translation for both the simple present (e.g., "I speak") and present participle (e.g., "I am speaking") forms in English.

2. Determine the verb type. The gerundio form of -ar verbs differs from that of -ir/-er verbs, so you need to know the type of verb.

3. Replace the ending of -ar verbs with "-ando." For example, "hablar" (to speak) becomes "hablando." For -ir or -er verbs, use "-iendo" in place of the verb ending. For example, "vivir" (to live) becomes "viviendo" and "querer" (to want) becomes "queriendo."

4. Apply "-yendo" to verb stems that end on a vowel. This is done to avoid an awkward spelling. For example, "leer" (to read) becomes "leyendo" instead of "leiendo."

5. Learn the irregular -ir verbs. Although the use of -iendo, -ando and -yendo covers all verb endings, irregular present participles are defined by a change in the verb stem. In verb stem-changing -ir verbs, change "e" to "i" or "o" to "u" in the stem and add "-iendo." For example, the gerundio form of "decir" (to say) is "diciendo" and "dormir" (to sleep) is "durmiendo."

References

• IPFW: Gerunds and the Progressive Tenses
• Spanish Language Guide: Spanish Gerund
• Rocket Languages: Spanish Present Progressive
• Study Spanish: Present Progressive