Estar + gerund (present progressive)
A2Grammar path · Lesson 37 of 86 · Stage A2 · Commands and the future
Use this structure to say what is happening at this very moment or during a temporary period, much like English 'be + -ing'. It is built with a present form of estar plus the gerund. The gerund ends in -ando for -ar verbs (hablar → hablando) and in -iendo for -er/-ir verbs (comer → comiendo, vivir → viviendo). So 'I am working' is estoy trabajando. Learners often confuse it with the simple present (trabajo), which Spanish uses for habits and general facts. Choose estar + gerundio only when you stress that the action is in progress.
Practise this lesson · 9 sentences
Form
sujeto + estar (presente) + gerundiosujeto + no + estar (presente) + gerundio¿(palabra interrogativa) + estar (presente) + gerundio?When to use it
Action happening at the moment of speaking
Use it when the action is happening exactly as you speak. This is the most common use.
Temporary situation around now
Use it for something going on during this period, even if not at this exact second. The action is seen as temporary, not a permanent habit.
Changing or developing situations
Use it to describe something that is gradually changing or developing. It often goes with verbs like subir, mejorar, crecer, cambiar.
Estar + gerund (-ando / -iendo)
Signal words
Don't confuse it with
Frequently asked questions
How do I form the gerund in Spanish?
Drop the infinitive ending and add -ando for -ar verbs (hablar → hablando) or -iendo for -er/-ir verbs (comer → comiendo, vivir → viviendo).
Which irregular gerunds should I learn?
Common ones: leer → leyendo, ir → yendo, dormir → durmiendo, pedir → pidiendo, decir → diciendo. Stem-changing -ir verbs switch e → i or o → u.
Where do pronouns go with estar + gerundio?
Put it before estar or attach it to the end of the gerund, both are correct: Me estoy duchando or Estoy duchándome. When attached, add a written accent.
When should I use the simple present instead of estar + gerundio?
Use the simple present for habits and general facts, as in Como a las dos. Use estar + gerund only to stress that something is in progress, as in Estoy comiendo.
Can I use estar + gerundio for future plans?
Usually not. For future plans, native speakers use ir a + infinitive or the simple present: Mañana voy a viajar or Mañana viajo.