Understanding the Verb “Andar” in Portuguese
“Andar” is a regular verb in Portuguese, most commonly translated as “to walk” or “to go.” However, its function extends far beyond physical movement. In colloquial Portuguese, “andar” is often used as an auxiliary verb to express that someone is repeatedly or currently engaged in an activity over a period of time.
How “Andar” Expresses Continuous Action
When you want to say that someone has been doing something habitually or recently, you can use “andar” followed by a verb in the gerund form (the “-ando” or “-endo” ending, similar to “-ing” in English). This construction is especially common in both spoken and written Portuguese.
Grammatical Structure
The structure is straightforward: conjugate “andar” according to the subject, then add the gerund of the main verb.
- Andar (conjugated) + gerund
For example:
- Ela anda estudando muito ultimamente. (She has been studying a lot lately.)
- Vocês andam reclamando demais. (You all have been complaining too much.)
- Eu ando pensando em mudar de emprego. (I have been thinking about changing jobs.)
When to Use “Andar” for Continuous Actions
Use “andar” plus the gerund when you want to express:
- A continuous or repeated activity
- A recent pattern of behavior
- An ongoing situation, especially if it is new or different from before
For example, if a friend has recently started going to the gym more often, you might say:
- Ele anda malhando muito. (He has been working out a lot.)
Comparing “Andar” with Other Continuous Forms
Portuguese has several ways to express ongoing actions, such as “estar + gerund” and “ficar + gerund.” However, “andar + gerund” carries a special nuance. It often implies a sense of repetition, habit, or even a slight annoyance or surprise. It is less about a single ongoing action and more about a recurring pattern.
- Estar + gerund: Expresses something happening right now or around the current moment.
- Andar + gerund: Suggests someone has been doing something repeatedly or over a recent period, often with a sense of change or habit.
For example:
- Ela está estudando. (She is studying – right now.)
- Ela anda estudando muito. (She has been studying a lot – recently, as a new pattern.)
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Do not use “andar” with the infinitive. Always use the gerund for continuous action: “anda estudando” not “anda estudar.”
- Remember that “andar” in this context is more about a change in routine or a new habit, not just any ongoing action.
- Practice with different verbs to get comfortable with the structure, such as “andar falando,” “andar comendo,” or “andar viajando.”
Practical Examples in Everyday Portuguese
Here are more real-life examples to help you recognize and use “andar” for continuous actions:
- Os vizinhos andam fazendo muito barulho. (The neighbors have been making a lot of noise.)
- Você anda saindo tarde do trabalho? (Have you been leaving work late?)
- Nós andamos assistindo muitas séries ultimamente. (We have been watching a lot of shows lately.)
Conclusion: Boost Your Fluency with “Andar”
Learning to use “andar” to express continuous or habitual actions adds a new layer of depth to your Portuguese. It helps you sound more natural and better express the nuances of everyday life. Try incorporating this structure into your conversations and writing. For more tips, explanations, and practice exercises, check out other resources on Talkpal’s AI language learning blog. With consistent practice, you’ll soon master this essential aspect of Portuguese grammar!
