vertiendo

Vertiendo is the gerund form of the Spanish verb verter, meaning to pour, spill, or discharge liquids. It is used to describe an action in progress or the manner in which something is being poured, and it corresponds to the English word “pouring.”

Etymology and formation: Verter comes from Latin vertere, meaning to turn or to turn over. The gerund is formed by adding the suffix -iendo to the stem vert-, yielding vertiendo. This form is irregular relative to many other -er verbs, which typically use -iendo in the gerund.

Grammar and usage: As a gerund, vertiendo combines with estar to express continuous actions (estoy vertiendo; estás vertiendo; etc.). It can also function in adverbial or descriptive roles, indicating how something is done. In many contexts, it is preferable to use vertido (the past participle) or derramar for spills, but vertiendo specifically emphasizes the ongoing act of pouring rather than a completed result.

Common expressions and examples:

- Estoy vertiendo agua en un vaso. (I am pouring water into a glass.)

- La máquina está vertiendo líquido en el tanque. (The machine is pouring liquid into the tank.)

- Vertiendo leche en la taza, la dejó caer. (Pouring milk into the cup, she dropped it.)

Related terms: verter (the base verb), vertido (the act or result of pouring, i.e., a spill or discharge), derramar (to spill, often accidental). Use of vertiendo should consider nuance: it highlights ongoing action rather than a completed pour.

See also: verter, derramar, vertido.