luchando
/lut͡ʃando/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'struggling' can be translated to Spanish as luchando.
luchando is used when the struggle involves an active effort against an obstacle, an opponent or a difficult circumstance. For other ways to express the idea of struggling, consider these alternatives: Batallando is an informal term and Pasando por aprietos is an informal phrase meaning 'going through a tight spot'. You can also use the informal expression Estar en apuros to mean 'being in a bind'.
What does it mean word for word?
luchando is the gerund form of the verb luchar, which literally means 'to fight' or 'to struggle'.
Which one should you use?
While luchando implies an active, often heroic or external fight, pasándolo mal is a more common way to describe the internal or situational struggle of 'having a hard time'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a gerund, luchando is used to express continuous action and is typically preceded by the verb estar (to be) to form the present continuous.
How do you pronounce it?
/lutʃando/
Did you know?
- The word lucha also refers to the sport of wrestling. Because of this, saying you are luchando can sometimes evoke the image of a physical grapple more than a metaphorical struggle.
- If you use the phrase pasar apuros to describe your struggle, you are metaphorically saying you are 'passing through narrow spaces'. It suggests being squeezed by circumstances.
- The verb luchar is a cognate of the French word lutte. Both languages shifted the meaning from physical combat to general life struggles in similar ways.
Examples in context
- He estado años luchando.I've been struggling for years now.Tatoeba #6883642 by arh, translation #6881740 by CK
- Están luchando para la libertad.They are struggling for freedom.Tatoeba #1287844 by enteka, translation #306803 by CK
- A nuestra empresa le está costando adaptarse a los cambios del mercado y estamos luchando por mantenernos a flote.Our company is struggling to adapt to market changes, and we are fighting to stay afloat.
- Nuestro equipo está teniendo dificultades para encontrar una solución a este problema complejo.Our team is struggling to find a solution to this complex problem.
- Estoy batallando para entender los conceptos de esta materia.I'm struggling to understand the concepts of this subject.
- Mi amigo está pasando por aprietos económicos en este momento.My friend is struggling financially at the moment.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a difficult project at work.
- Alejandro¿Cómo vas con el nuevo proyecto?How are you doing with the new project?
- LucíaSigo luchando con el presupuesto.I'm still struggling with the budget.
- AlejandroNo te rindas, Lucía.Don't give up, Lucía.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro, lo intentaré.Thanks, Alejandro, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
