Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| caminar | /kamiˈnaɾ/ |
| andar | /anˈdaɾ/ |
Both verbs mean to move on one's feet. The word caminar is often used when the focus is on the specific physical act of walking or the distance covered. In contrast, andar is a more general and colloquial term that can mean to walk, to move around or even to function, such as describing a machine working. For a long walk or a hike, you would use the noun caminata. Related nouns include trecho or trayecto for the distance walked, and paseo for a maintained place on which to walk.
Which one should you use?
caminar is more precise and is used when emphasizing the physical motion or distance. andar is more colloquial and serves a broader range of meanings, including general movement or the functioning of an object.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/kamiˈnaɾ/
When do people say it?
If you want to say 'nice walk!', you can use the phrase ¡buen paseo!
Did you know?
- The irregular past tense of andar was likely influenced by the verb haber, meaning 'to have'.
- The verb andar can be used as an auxiliary verb to describe a temporary state or mood, similar to 'to be' in English.
- The verb andar is so versatile that it can also be used to describe how a person is 'getting along' or behaving in a certain way.
Examples in context
- Tom no puede andar.Tom can't walk.This sentence shows how to use andar to express an inability to walk.Tatoeba #2351568 by Shishir, translation #1868425 by CK
- Le gusta andar sola.She likes to walk alone.This sentence demonstrates using andar to describe a preference for walking alone.Tatoeba #691104 by Shishir, translation #453905 by saasmath
- No me gusta caminar.I don't like to walk.This sentence shows the use of caminar to express a personal dislike for the act of walking.Tatoeba #1003249 by hayastan, translation #2655198 by Dejo
- ¿Podría caminar más despacio, por favor?Could you walk more slowly, please?
- Me encantaría pasear por el centro histórico de la ciudad.I would love to take a walk through the historic center of the city.
- Es necesario transitar por el pasillo hasta llegar a la salida.It is necessary to walk through the corridor until you reach the exit.
- ¿Quieres andar un rato por el parque?Do you want to walk around the park for a while?
- Vamos a dar una vuelta por el vecindario.Let's take a walk around the neighborhood.
- Decidimos recorrer el Camino de Santiago a pie.We decided to walk the Camino de Santiago.
- 206 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are planning a route in the park.
- LucíaPodemos caminar por este sendero.We can walk along this path.
- DanielSí, es un camino muy bonito.Yes, it is a very beautiful way.
- LucíaNo quiero caminar muy rápido.I do not want to walk very fast.
- DanielNo te preocupes, iremos despacio.Do not worry, we will go slowly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “walk” translations and entries caminar, andar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries andar, caminar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
