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Tense guide
Gerundio (Gerund)

Language: Italian
Tense:

Introduction

The Italian "-ando" or "-endo" verb form is similar to the "-ing" form in English. It is mainly used to describe an action that is currently in progress. It can also explain how, when, or why another action happens, often making your sentences shorter and more connected.

The most common use is with the verb stare to describe an action that is happening right now, or was happening at a specific moment in the past.

Cosa stai facendo?
(What are you doing?)
Sto leggendo un libro.
(I am reading a book.)
I bambini stanno giocando fuori.
(The children are playing outside.)
Ieri a quest'ora, stavamo cenando.
(Yesterday at this time, we were eating dinner.)
Stavo dormendo quando hai chiamato.
(I was sleeping when you called.)

You can use this form to explain how an action is performed. It answers the question "In what way"?.

Ho imparato l'italiano ascoltando la musica.
(I learned Italian by listening to music.)
Si rilassa passeggiando nel parco.
(He relaxes by walking in the park.)
Risolvi il problema lavorando con calma.
(You solve the problem by working calmly.)

It can show two actions happening at the same time. It works like the English word "while" or "as".

Guidando, ascolto sempre i podcast.
(While driving, I always listen to podcasts.)
Ho visto un cervo camminando nel bosco.
(I saw a deer while walking in the woods.)
Parla sempre gesticolando molto.
(He always talks while gesturing a lot.)

This form can also explain the reason or cause for the main action. It's a short way to say "because" or "since".

Essendo stanco, sono andato a letto presto.
(Being tired, I went to bed early.)
Avendo tempo, ho deciso di cucinare.
(Having time, I decided to cook.)

Important: Unlike in English, you cannot use this Italian verb form as a noun. For example, "Cooking is fun" translates to Cucinare è divertente, not Cucinando è divertente.

Conjugation patterns