-ando/-endo/-indo

Gerúndio Formation

Level 2

The Gerúndio (Gerund) is the '-ing' form of Portuguese verbs. It is used to describe actions in progress or how an action is performed. In Brazil, it is the standard way to say 'I am [doing something]'.

How It Works

The gerund is one of the most regular parts of Portuguese grammar. It is primarily used for:

  • Progressive Actions: Combined with estar to show something happening right now (e.g., Estou comendo).
  • Simultaneous Actions: Describing an action that happens at the same time as another (e.g., Ele saiu correndo - He left running).
  • Gradual Changes: Used with verbs like ir or vir to show slow development (e.g., Vou aprendendo - I am [gradually] learning).

Formation Rules:
1. -ar verbs: Remove -r, add -ndo (falar → falando)
2. -er verbs: Remove -r, add -ndo (comer → comendo)
3. -ir verbs: Remove -r, add -ndo (partir → partindo)

Important Exceptions:
Only two common verbs require special attention: pôr (to put) becomes pondo, and vir (to come) becomes vindo. Note that verbs derived from these (like compor → compondo or convir → convindo) follow the same pattern. Also, vindo is also the past participle of vir, so context is key.

Key Rule: The gerund is invariable. It never changes its ending to match the gender or number of the subject (e.g., Eles estão falando, never falandos).

Regional Difference: While Brazilians use the gerund for the present continuous (estou falando), European Portuguese speakers usually prefer the estar a + infinitivo construction (estou a falar).

Examples (5)

  1. Eu estou estudando português agora.

    I am studying Portuguese now.

    Word by Word: I am studying Portuguese now.

    A classic example of the present progressive using an -ar verb (estudar).

  2. Nós estamos comendo uma pizza.

    We are eating a pizza.

    Word by Word: We are eating a pizza.

    Shows the gerund formation for -er verbs (comer).

  3. Ela saiu da sala sorrindo.

    She left the room smiling.

    Word by Word: She left from-the room smiling.

    Here, the gerund describes the manner in which the main action (leaving) was performed.

  4. Eles estão partindo para o Brasil amanhã.

    They are leaving for Brazil tomorrow.

    Word by Word: They are departing for the Brazil tomorrow.

    Shows the gerund formation for -ir verbs (partir).

  5. O sol foi se pondo lentamente.

    The sun was setting slowly.

    Word by Word: The sun went itself putting slowly.

    Uses the irregular gerund 'pondo' to show a gradual process.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the gerund as a noun (subject of a sentence).

    Correndo é bom para a saúde.
    Correr é bom para a saúde.

    In English, we say 'Running is good.' In Portuguese, you must use the infinitive (Correr) when the verb acts as a noun.

  • Adding a preposition like 'by' before the gerund.

    Por fazendo isso, você aprende.
    Fazendo isso, você aprende.

    The gerund in Portuguese already implies 'by doing' or 'while doing.' Adding 'por' or 'em' before it is unnecessary and incorrect.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

-ando/-endo/-indoLevel 2Gerúndio Formation

Learn This First

To form the gerund in Portuguese, a learner must first be able to identify and distinguish between the three main verb conjugation groups (-ar, -er, and -ir) in their infinitive or base forms, as the gerund suffix depends entirely on the verb's thematic vowel.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

-endo-indo