estoy leyendo
/estoi leʝendo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I am reading" is translated into Spanish as estoy leyendo.
estoy leyendo is the standard way to convey that you are currently in the process of reading something. If you want to emphasize that you are completely engrossed or absorbed in a book, you can use the phrase Estoy enfrascado(a) en un libro. Additionally, the expression Ando leyendo can be used to add a sense of ongoing action by using the verb andar instead of estar.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular present of the verb estar (to be) and the gerund of leer (to read).
Which one should you use?
While estoy leyendo emphasizes the ongoing process happening right now, the simple present form leo can also mean "I am reading" or "I read" in a more general sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
This construction uses the progressive form to emphasize an action currently in progress.
Did you know?
- The word leyendo shares an ancient root with the English word 'logic'. Both words trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root *leǵ-, which relates to the act of gathering or picking out things, such as picking out words to form meaning.
- If you are reading something very quickly, a Spanish speaker might say you 'lo estás leyendo de corrido'. The term de corrido suggests a continuous, unbroken flow, much like a race or a continuous stream.
- In Spanish, the verb leer can be used for things that are not books, such as leer la mente to mean 'reading someone's mind' or leer el clima for 'reading the weather'.
Examples in context
- Estoy leyendo una obra.I am reading a play.This example is useful for showing how to use estoy leyendo with a play.Tatoeba #1669061 by marcelostockle, translation #1661047 by Amastan
- Estoy leyendo una carta.I am reading a letter.This example is useful for showing how to use estoy leyendo with a letter.Tatoeba #2011069 by Shishir, translation #1872698 by Asma
- Estoy leyendo esta frase.I am reading this sentence.This example is useful for showing how to use estoy leyendo with a sentence.Tatoeba #2009259 by marcelostockle, translation #1785687 by Amastan
- Estoy leyendo un fascinante libro sobre historia del arte.I am reading a fascinating book about art history.
- Ando leyendo una novela muy interesante que me recomendó mi amiga.I am currently reading a very interesting novel my friend recommended to me.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena is sitting in the living room and Javier enters.
- ElenaEstoy leyendo un libro muy interesante.I am reading a very interesting book.
- Javier¿De qué trata, Elena?What is it about, Elena?
- ElenaEs una novela histórica.It is a historical novel.
- JavierParece que te gusta mucho.It seems like you like it a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leyendo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
