Estoy escribiendo
/estoi eskɾibjendo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for 'I am writing' is Estoy escribiendo.
Estoy escribiendo is used to say that the speaker is currently in the process of writing something. It is the simplest and most common way to express this idea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb estar (to be) in the first-person singular present tense and the gerund escribiendo (writing).
Which one should you use?
While Estoy escribiendo emphasizes the continuous action happening right now, the simple present Escribo can also be used to mean 'I am writing' in many contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the subject from 'I' to 'he' or 'she', change Estoy to está (making the phrase está escribiendo).
Did you know?
- Spanish has a specific word, escritura, which refers both to the act of writing and to a legal deed or title to a property.
- In the past, the phrase estoy escribiendo would have been accompanied by the gesture of dipping a quill in ink, and the word pluma still refers to both a modern pen and a feather.
- Unlike English, where 'writing' can be a noun, escribiendo is strictly a verbal form and cannot be used as a noun to mean 'the writing'.
Examples in context
- Estoy escribiendo un SMS.I am writing an SMS.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Estoy escribiendo with an SMS.Tatoeba #1669054 by marcelostockle, translation #1661062 by Amastan
- Estoy escribiendo una carta.I am writing a letter.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Estoy escribiendo with a letter.Tatoeba #522951 by Shishir, translation #257508 by CK
- Estoy escribiendo una novela.I am writing a novel.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Estoy escribiendo with a novel.Tatoeba #1859478 by wallebot, translation #1798450 by Amastan
- Estoy escribiendo un informeI am writing a report
- Le escribo para informarle sobre…I am writing to inform you about…
- Me encuentro redactando mi tesisI am currently writing my thesis
- Estoy redactando un contratoI am writing a contract
- Estoy escribiendo un mensaje de textoI am writing a text message
- Estoy escribiendo una carta a mi mejor amigoI am writing a letter to my best friend
- Estoy redactando un correo electrónico a mis compañeros de trabajoI am writing an email to my coworkers
- Estoy haciendo anotaciones en mi cuadernoI'm writing down notes in my notebook
- Estoy escribiendo un poema.I am writing a poem.
- Estoy escribiendo cuidadosamente mi tesis.I am writing my thesis carefully.
- Me encuentro redactando rápidamente un artículo para la revista.I am quickly writing an article for the magazine.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are in the living room.
- Elena¿Qué haces, Alejandro?What are you doing, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEstoy escribiendo un correo electrónico.I am writing an email.
- Elena¿Es para el trabajo?Is it for work?
- AlejandroSí, estoy escribiendo el reporte final.Yes, I am writing the final report.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
