Going Around Doing Things: Andar + Gerund
When you want to describe an action happening continuously but in a casual, unstructured, or literal "wandering" way, use the verb andar combined with a gerund (a verb ending in -ando or -iendo).
| I'm walking around browsing through the used clothing stalls. | Ando curioseando por los puestos de ropa usada. |
In English, this often translates to "going around doing something" or "walking around doing something".
| We are walking around looking for bargains in the market. | Nosotros andamos buscando gangas en el mercado. |
Andar vs. Estar
While the standard present progressive (estar + gerund) simply states that an action is happening right now, replacing estar with andar paints a picture of physical movement or scattered, ongoing action. It is the perfect structure for describing a casual afternoon at a flea market.
| The customer is going around haggling over a silver coin. | El cliente anda regateando una moneda de plata. |
| She is walking around looking at the stall's trinkets. | Ella anda mirando las baratijas del puesto. |
| Are you all walking around browsing the silver and bronze jewelry? | ¿Ustedes andan curioseando las joyas de plata y bronce? |
Your questions are stored by us to improve Elon.io