Nadar v. Natación
What's the difference between "nadar" and "natación"? For most verbs, it appears to me that if you wish to use it as a noun, you merely use the infinitive and treat it as a noun. Why is this not the case with nadar?
I understand that gerunds in Spanish are not used the same way as English gerunds, such as the fact that gerunds cannot be used as nouns in Spanish. But infinitives can function as nouns, as far as I am aware. For example, if I wanted to say "The eating of sweets must be done in moderation" wouldn't I say "El comer de los dulces debe ser hecho con moderación" using "el comer" because the word "eating" is a noun? So, if I am right here, that "comer" can function as a noun, meaning "eating", why is the word "swimming" (as a noun, not the present participle), translated to natación, not nadar.
I'm sorry if this post makes no sense, I've had a hard time trying to put words to my confusion.
3 Answers
I found this great answer on Word Reference....
Natación is a noun and nadar is a verb. Also natación has a slightly different meaning. It refers to the sport. So while one person might like swimming it does not mean this person practices "natación", as she/he might not be able to perform swimming in a sportive, competitive way.
For instance: I would use the verb "nadar" for someone who never took swimming lessons but still is able to swim: "Va a la piscina a nadar" "le gusta nadar".
On the other hand, someone that's taking swimming classes attends "clases de natación". Or you may say "me gusta la natación" meaning that you like the sport rather than swimming yourself (you could simple enjoy watching the competitions on tv).
I like to swim / Me gusta nadar
I like swimming / me gusta (la) natación. not sure if the "la" is needed.
Spanish gerundios are not used in the same way English gerunds (swimming) are, here as a noun.
For example, if I wanted to say "The eating of sweets must be done in moderation" wouldn't I say "El comer de los dulces debe ser hecho con moderación" using "el comer"
No need for the "El" in the beginning of your sentence. You'd say....
Comer dulces.... (Eating sweets/candy....)
