levando

Levar is a Portuguese verb meaning to carry, to take, or to bring. Levando is its gerund form (gerúndio), used to express ongoing action and to form certain periphrastic tenses. It can denote physically carrying something, as in “Estou levando a encomenda” (I am carrying the package), or function in more abstract expressions such as “levando em conta” (taking into account) and “levando a sério” (taking seriously).

Etymology: Levar comes from Latin levāre, meaning to lift or raise. The gerund is formed by adding -ando to the infinitive, as in levar → levando. This pattern is characteristic of Portuguese -ar verbs.

Grammatical notes: Levando is the present gerund of levar and is used with auxiliary verbs such as estar or ficar to form progressive tenses (estou levando, ela está levando). It also appears in numerous idiomatic expressions. In European Portuguese, the progressive aspect is often expressed with estar a + infinitive (estou a levar), whereas Brazilian Portuguese frequently uses estar levando.

Usage and nuance: Beyond physical movement, levar and its gerund appear in semantic fields like time, effort, or evaluation, for example, “levando em conta” (considering) or “levando a cabo” (carrying out). The choice between levado and levar in various contexts reflects regional and stylistic preferences rather than a change in core meaning.

See also: Levar. Examples: “Ele está levando o carro para a oficina.” “Levando em conta o orçamento, vamos ajustar o plano.”