Estar + Gerund (Present Continuous)
Engage in this interactive lesson to master the Spanish Present Continuous (Estar + Gerund). Practice writing, speaking, listening, and mediation skills, then test yourself with a fun quiz!
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What is Estar + Gerundio?
The Spanish Present Continuous (Estar + Gerundio) works similarly to the English "-ing" form. It describes actions that are happening at this very moment.
Formula:
Examples:
Yo estoy comiendo. (I am eating.)
Ellos están bailando. (They are dancing.)
Tú estás leyendo. (You are reading.)
How to Form the Gerund (-ING Form)
1. Regular Verbs
-AR verbs → -ando
Hablar → hablando (speaking)
Trabajar → trabajando (working)
-ER & -IR verbs → -iendo
Comer → comiendo (eating)
Vivir → viviendo (living)
⚠️ Important: Unlike English, Spanish does not use the Present Continuous for future plans (use Voy a + infinitive instead).
When to Use Estar + Gerundio
✅ Actions happening right now:
"Estoy escribiendo un email." (I am writing an email.)
✅ Temporary actions (not habits):
"Esta semana estoy estudiando mucho." (This week, I am studying a lot.)
❌ Do NOT use for:
Future plans → "Mañana voy al cine." (✔)
General habits → "Siempre leo libros." (✔)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to conjugate Estar
❌ "Yo está comiendo." → ✔ "Yo estoy comiendo."
Mixing up -AR/-ER endings
❌ "Estoy comando." → ✔ "Estoy comiendo."
Using it for future actions
❌ "Mañana estoy viajando." → ✔ "Mañana voy a viajar."
Writing – Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct form of Estar + Gerund.
Speaking – Describe the Scene
Look at this image 🔍 Describe what each person is doing using Estar + Gerund.
Example:
"El niño está corriendo."
"La mujer está leyendo un libro."
💡 Record yourself and compare with a partner or teacher!
Listening – What Are They Doing?
🎧 Listen to the audio (🔗). Write down what each person is doing in the present continuous.
Example:
"María está cocinando."
"Los niños están jugando."
Mediation – Role Play
📢 Work with a partner:
Student A: Describe what you are doing right now (in Spanish).
Student B: Translate/Summarize in English (mediation task).
Then switch roles!
Example:
A: "Estoy escribiendo un mensaje."
B: "He/She is writing a message."
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