Spanish · C1 · Family moment
Little Things Still to Be Done in Spanish
This guide helps C1 level Spanish learners narrate daily tasks using formal attributive structures to describe necessary or upcoming actions while engaging with their child.
What you'll learn
- Master the Spanish equivalent of the 'zu + Partizip I' construction (gerundive).
- Describe tasks to be completed using passive-style adjectives.
- Improve precision in describing infant-care routines in Spanish.
Spanish phrases for little things still to be done
La leche por calentar está aquí, cariño; la prepararé ahora.
The milk still to be warmed is here, sweetheart; I'll prepare it now.
Uses 'por + infinitive' to denote a pending action.
El babero por poner antes de tu papilla tiene un osito.
The bib to be put on before your porridge has a little bear on it.
'Por poner' functions as the attributive gerundive.
La cuchara por lavar antes de tu próximo bocado está en mi mano.
The spoon to be washed before your next bite is in my hand.
'Por lavar' modifies 'cuchara' directly.
El pañal por cambiar después de tu toma se siente bastante lleno.
The nappy to be changed after your feed feels rather full.
'Por cambiar' indicates the necessity of the task.
El agua del baño por comprobar antes de que entres está lista para que yo la pruebe.
The bathwater to be checked before you get in is ready for me to test.
Note the use of the subjunctive 'entres' after 'antes de que'.
Los deditos de los pies por secar después de tu baño se agitan alegremente.
The little toes to be dried after your bath are wriggling happily.
'Por secar' describes the state of the toes needing attention.
Las correas del cochecito por abrochar antes de partir están justo a tu lado.
The stroller straps to be fastened before we set off are right beside you.
'Abrochar' is the standard verb for fastening straps/buckles.
El dibujo por encontrar en esta página es un gran pato amarillo.
The picture to be found on this page is a big yellow duck.
'Por encontrar' indicates the objective of the search.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
por + infinitivo
yet to be [verb]
This is the primary way Spanish expresses the gerundive 'to be done' meaning.
papilla
porridge/baby food mush
Often used for any blended or soft cereal food for infants.
abrochar
to fasten/buckle
Essential for safety straps and clothing.
toma
feeding/dose
Commonly used for a single session of breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
Attributive Gerundives (The 'Por' Construction)
In Spanish, the formal 'zu + Partizip I' (e.g., 'die zu waschende Wäsche') is most naturally expressed using 'por' + infinitive. This structure acts as an adjective modifying a noun to indicate necessity or a pending state.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | [Noun] + por + [Infinitive] | La tarea por hacer (The task to be done). |
| Alternative (Formal) | [Noun] + a + [Infinitive] | Los temas a tratar (The topics to be discussed). |
| Plurality | No change to 'por' | Las cosas por limpiar (The things to be cleaned). |
More examples
Tengo mucha ropa por doblar mientras duermes.
I have a lot of laundry to be folded while you sleep.
Shows the construction in a standard declarative sentence.
¿Dónde están los juguetes por guardar?
Where are the toys that need to be put away?
Using the construction in a question.