Tengo que ir andando

Question

Heard and reinterpreted from a Porteguese episode of Law and Order. Can "tengo que ir andando" mean I've got to get going?

no, it cannot - 00494d19, Jul 14, 2010

Answer 1

Fun fact/grammar point. Most people know about ir + a + an infinitive, such as voy a leer, I'm going to read. However, you can use a similar formula, ir + gerund (-ando/-iendo) to mean something slowly or gradually happening. Voy leyendo este libro = I'm gradually reading this book. I must note that it should only be used with things that are capable of being completed, as my Spanish friend said it sounds a bit awkward to say "Voy aprendiendo español". You can't finish learning a language.

Answer 2

I am going to answer this thread just in case another incorrect answer gets accepted, this is incorrect, you cannot say that.

Tengo que ir andando: I have to go walking

Tengo que apañarmelas, tengo que seguir con mi vida...I have to go on.

Answer 3

I haven't heard this particular phrase used, but just a thought....it strikes me as meaning, "I have to go on". (in the sense of moving on). What was the context?

:) Good to see you renae. I hope you are doing well. ;) ;) ;) ;) - jeezzle, Jul 13, 2010

Hi renae, good health and good happy! - ray76, Jul 14, 2010

rena!! nice to see you:) - 00494d19, Jul 14, 2010

Answer 4

Voy en el coche de San Fernando, un ratito a pie y otro andando....

Answer 5

Yes. Andando generally means kind of wandering around, just going someplace in general.

Wow that's pretty sweet in that case. - jeezzle, Jul 13, 2010