Verbs: Continuous 2

Você está conversando?

Let's review something very useful in Portuguese! Use estar plus an ‑ndo verb to talk about ongoing activities.

Eu estou ajudando você.

I am helping you.

Ele está medindo a ponte.

He is measuring the bridge.

Remember that estar changes according to the person doing the action. But the ‑ndo verb is the same for everyone.

Estou adorando!

You can use ‑ndo verbs for all types of actions in Portuguese, even those that in English we'd never use ‑ing for.

Eu estou querendo um carro novo.

I want a new car. (Literal: I am wanting a new car.)

Eu estou adorando o filme.

I love the movie. (Literal: I am loving the movie.)

Eu já estou sabendo.

I already know. (Literal: I am already knowing.)

You can also use the verb ficar with an ‑ndo verb.

Eu fiquei sabendo.

I've heard. (Literal: I got knowing.)

Passei o dia conversando!

You don't always need to use estar with an ‑ndo verb. Sometimes, you can use just the ‑ndo verb like you would in English.

Eu passei o dia conversando com meu amigo.

I spent the day talking to my friend.

Eu volto ao Brasil sabendo que dei o meu máximo aqui.

I return to Brazil knowing that I gave my best here.