algo se está quemando
/alɡo se esta kemando/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for 'something is on fire' is algo se está quemando.
The phrase is used to state that an object is currently in the process of burning.
Which one should you use?
While algo se está quemando describes the active process of burning, the phrase algo está en llamas (literally 'something is in flames') is a more dramatic way to express that something is on fire.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase algo se está quemando uses the progressive aspect, which is formed by combining the verb estar with a gerund, to indicate that the burning is happening right now.
Did you know?
- If you use the verb quemar without the reflexive se, such as in algo quema, you are actually saying 'something is hot to the touch' rather than saying it is on fire.
- In Spanish, the phrase está que arde is often used figuratively to describe a place that is extremely crowded or a situation that is intensely heated and tense.
- In some contexts, quemar is used as a slang term for ruining a reputation or 'burning' someone's image in a social circle.
Examples in context
- Por favor, llame a los bomberos. Hay un incendio en el edificio.Please call the fire department. There is a fire in the building.
- Desalojemos rápidamente. ¡El edificio está en llamas!Let's evacuate quickly. The building is on fire!
- ¡Mira! ¡El coche está en llamas!Look! The car is on fire!
- ¡Cuidado, la casa se está quemando!Be careful, the house is on fire!
- ¡Cuidado! Algo se está quemando en la cocina.Watch out! Something is burning in the kitchen.
- ¡Cuidado, algo se está quemando en la cocina!Watch out, something is on fire in the kitchen!
- No te acerques, algo se está quemando allí.Don't go near, something is on fire over there.
- Parece que algo se está quemando en el jardín.It looks like something is on fire in the garden.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are in the living room when they smell smoke.
- Sofía¿Sientes ese olor a humo, Mateo?Do you smell that smoke, Mateo?
- MateoSí, creo que algo se está quemando.Yes, I think something is on fire.
- Sofía¡Rápido, mira hacia la chimenea!Quick, look toward the fireplace!
- MateoTienes razón, Sofía, hay llamas.You're right, Sofía, there are flames.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
