Spanish · B1 · Family moment
Learning to ride with confidence in Spanish
This guide provides practical phrases for teaching your child how to ride a bicycle. It focuses on using the Spanish gerund (the '-ing' form) to explain the method or manner in which an action is achieved, corresponding to the English 'by doing something'.
What you'll learn
- Explain cycling techniques using the gerund to describe manner
- Describe safety procedures and equipment
- Encourage progress using specific feedback
Spanish phrases for learning to ride with confidence
Mantienes el equilibrio mirando hacia adelante.
You keep your balance by looking straight ahead.
'Mirando' is the gerund of 'mirar', showing how the balance is kept.
Frenas presionando suavemente ambos frenos.
You slow down by gently pressing both brakes.
'Presionando' explains the method of slowing down.
Te ayudo sujetando el sillín.
I help you by holding the saddle.
'Sujetando' describes how the help is being provided.
Proteges tu cabeza llevando el casco.
You protect your head by wearing your helmet.
'Llevando' comes from 'llevar' (to wear/carry).
Hacemos espacio separando los conos.
We make space by moving the cones apart.
'Separando' indicates the action that creates the space.
Señalizas un giro estirando un brazo.
You signal a turn by stretching out one arm.
'Estirando' shows the physical action of signaling.
Mejoras practicando un poco cada día.
You improve by practising a little each day.
A common way to express improvement through consistent action.
Te animo recordándote lo lejos que has llegado.
I encourage you by reminding you how far you have come.
'Recordándote' includes the indirect object pronoun 'te' attached to the gerund.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Equilibrio
Balance
A key concept in physical activities.
Sillín
Saddle / Bicycle seat
Specifically used for bikes; a chair is 'silla'.
Casco
Helmet
Essential safety gear.
Frenos
Brakes
From the verb 'frenar' (to brake).
Giro
Turn
Refers to a change in direction.
The Gerundio for Manner
In Spanish, the gerund (ending in -ando for -ar verbs and -iendo for -er/-ir verbs) is used to express 'how' an action is performed. Unlike English, Spanish does not use a preposition like 'by' before the gerund in this context.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Manner (Method) | Verb + Gerundio | Aprendes cayéndote. (You learn by falling.) |
| -AR Verbs | Stem + -ando | Practicar -> Practicando |
| -ER/-IR Verbs | Stem + -iendo | Mover -> Moviendo |
More examples
¿Cómo puedo ir más rápido? Pedaleando con más fuerza.
How can I go faster? By pedaling with more strength.
The gerund can answer a 'how' question directly.
Evitas accidentes teniendo cuidado.
You avoid accidents by being careful.
Teniendo is the gerund of tener.