cavando
/kabando/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for digging is cavando.
cavando refers to the act of breaking and moving earth using a tool or hands.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Caribbean countries, such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, the word picar is used to describe digging, especially when it involves breaking ground with a tool.
How does it change in a sentence?
cavando is the present participle (gerund) of the verb cavar and is used to express continuous actions. The infinitive form of the verb is cavar.
How do you pronounce it?
/kabando/
Did you know?
- The word picar, used for digging in the Caribbean, literally means 'to peck' or 'to sting'. This refers to the sharp, repetitive motion of a pickaxe hitting hard earth.
- While cavando describes digging, the word socavar means 'to undermine'. It literally describes digging underneath a structure to make it collapse, but is used mostly for undermining someone's authority.
- The verb cavar is a 'false friend' for English speakers. While it sounds like 'cave', it refers to the action of digging rather than the geological structure.
Examples in context
- Están cavando un agujero.They're digging a hole.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use cavando to describe someone digging a hole.Tatoeba #1797013 by Shishir, translation #452264 by CK
- No estoy cavando tus pozos.I'm not digging your wells.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use cavando in a negative statement about digging wells.Tatoeba #2624676 by Shishir, translation #2621177 by AlanF_US
- Tom está cavando un agujero.Tom is digging a hole.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use cavando to describe a specific person digging a hole.Tatoeba #1668890 by marcelostockle, translation #1662303 by Amastan
- Estamos excavando para construir los cimientosWe are digging to build the foundations
- El equipo de arqueología hizo excavaciones en el sitio antiguoThe archaeology team made excavations at the ancient site
- El equipo de ingenieros está realizando labores de excavación para la construcción del túnelThe engineering team is engaging in digging for tunnel construction
- El niño está cavando un hoyo en la arenaThe child is digging a hole in the sand
- Mi abuelo desenterró una moneda antigua en el jardínMy grandfather dug up an ancient coin in the garden
- Decidí remover la tierra para plantar nuevas flores en mi jardínI decided to dig the soil to plant new flowers in my garden
- Cavó profundamente para encontrar el tesoroHe dug deeply to find the treasure
- Necesitamos cavar con una pala para hacer el agujeroWe need to dig with a shovel to make the hole
- Estoy cavandoI am digging
- Están excavandoThey are digging
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are working in the garden.
- María¿Estás cavando cerca de las flores?Are you digging near the flowers?
- MateoSí, estoy cavando para plantar un árbol.Yes, I am digging to plant a tree.
- MaríaTen cuidado con las raíces, Mateo.Be careful with the roots, Mateo.
- MateoNo te preocupes, lo haré con cuidado.Don't worry, I will do it carefully.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
