-Ando vs -Iendo (-ing)

Spanish -ando (and -iendo)

Yes — it basically maps to “-ing” in English.

In Spanish, this form is called the gerundio.

How it works:

• -ar verbs → -ando

• -er / -ir verbs → -iendo

So your example is spot on:

• cocinar = to cook

• cocinando = cooking

More examples:

• hablar → hablando (speaking)

• comer → comiendo (eating)

• vivir → viviendo (living)

Important nuance (this matters):

Spanish does NOT use the gerund as freely as English.

In English, we say:

In Spanish, you don’t say:

Instead:

The -ando / -iendo form is mostly used for:

• Actions in progress

• Usually with estar

Examples:

• Estoy cocinando. → I am cooking

• Estaban corriendo. → They were running

So yes, it’s like -ing, but with tighter rules.