sin lograr?

Question

Lograr is to obtain. I saw that 'sin lograr' was without obtaining which i would have translated as without obtain as it is just a verb. So does this mean the verb on it's own can sometimes meanthe gerund? Thanks

Answer 1

In Spanish, the infinitive is the only verbal form that can function as a noun (what in English is called a 'gerund'). What is called "gerundio" in Spanish is not a "gerund" (in the English grammatical sense) but, rather a "present participle" (and cannot be used as a noun).

Answer 2

I think these would be other examples,

Al mirar a los jardines - On looking at the gardens

Al hablar con los hombres - On speaking to the men

Answer 3

Yes, the infinitive form is sometimes used in Spanish the same way we use the gerund form in English.

Estoy charlando con mis amigos en vez de leer un libro. - I am chatting with my friends instead of reading a book.

Sin lograr literally means without achieving. By itself it could mean something like without success.

Answer 4

Just by the dictionary definition, I would guess it means to no avail, or without any benefit. (Using the alternate definitions). I can't help you on the gerund part, but would have to venture another guess and say no, it can't be the gerund.