Cayendo o Callendo – What U.S. English Speakers Need to Know
Table of Contents
If you’re learning Spanish, you’ve probably noticed words that look or sound very similar but mean completely different things. A common example is “cayendo” and “callendo.” Using the wrong one can confuse your meaning, so let’s break it down.
1. Cayendo – “Falling”
“Cayendo” comes from the verb “caer”, which means “to fall.” It’s the gerund form, used to describe an action that is happening right now. In English, it’s equivalent to saying “falling.”
Examples:
- Estoy cayendo por las escaleras.
(I am falling down the stairs.) - Las hojas están cayendo del árbol.
(The leaves are falling from the tree.)
Use cayendo whenever something or someone is in the process of falling — literally or even metaphorically:
- Está cayendo en la trampa.
(He is falling into the trap.)
2. Callendo – Not a Real Word
You might see “callendo” written somewhere, but here’s the important point: it’s not a correct Spanish word. It’s usually a misspelling of “cayendo” or a mix-up with the verb “callar” (to be quiet).
The correct gerund form of callar is “callando.”
Examples of “callando”:
- Estoy callando mis opiniones.
(I am keeping my opinions to myself.) - Ella sigue callando durante la reunión.
(She continues being quiet during the meeting.)
So, if you see “callendo”, it’s almost always wrong — native Spanish speakers won’t recognize it.
3. Quick Tip
Here’s an easy way to remember:
- Cayendo = falling → action, movement.
- Callando = staying quiet → silence, restraint.
- Callendo = ❌ not real
Conclusion
Spanish has many words that look alike, so small spelling differences matter. Stick with “cayendo” for falling and “callando” for being quiet. Avoid “callendo”, as it’s not a real word.
Mastering these small details will make your Spanish sound more natural and help you avoid confusion with native speakers!
