"yo como or estoy comiendo"
My teacher wants me to write a page from my diary in present day.
As in whats happening now, not what has happend before or is gonna happen.
So my problem is, its weekend now i cant get a hold of her and i need to finish this.
I donno if i should write like "(yo) como" or "estoy comiendo" or like for example "(yo) hablo" or "estoy hablando"
"estoy estudiando" or "(yo) estudio"
What sounds more right to write when she wants me to do it in present.
3 Answers
OK, let's see in English
I eat bread.
I am eating bread (right now)
In Spanish besides both being used exactly as above, we can answer with either one to the question of "What are you doing/eating"
Would that help?
Edit for doncruz:
What happens is that context, as always, plays a role
I'm working (this very moment).
I work at IBM (nowadays). = I'm working at IBM (at this time).
Is that clear?
Yo trabajo en IBM. Estoy trabajando en IBM.
I work at IBM (nowadays). I'm working at IBM (this very moment).
So for a Diary, compare the following: Me levanto temprano y me lavo, luego preparo el desayuno. I get up early and take a shower, then I prepare breakfast. Me estoy levantando temprano y lavandome, luego estoy preparando el desayuno. I'm getting up early and taking a shower, then I'm preparing breakfast.
Progressive implies that the action is taking place at the time of speaking.
You can use either one if you just want to say generally "I'm eating." If you want to emphasize that you are eating at thi very moment, use "Estoy comiendo."