How to say “We are still coming” in Spanish

Introduction

Learning how to express ongoing actions and future plans is essential for anyone studying Spanish. One phrase that comes up frequently in everyday conversations is how to say we are still coming in Spanish. Whether you are confirming attendance at an event, reassuring someone that your group is on the way, or simply expressing that you have not yet arrived, knowing the proper Spanish terminology will help you communicate effectively. This article breaks down the various ways to express this idea, from simple verb conjugations to more nuanced expressions that native speakers use regularly.

Understanding the Basic Structure

To say we are still coming in Spanish, you need to understand a few key components. The first is the verb venir, which means to come. When you conjugate this verb for the first-person plural (we), you get venimos. The word todavía or aún means still, and combining these elements gives you the fundamental expression you need.

The most straightforward way to say we are still coming is: Todavía estamos viniendo or Aún estamos viniendo. However, Spanish offers several variations depending on the context and the level of formality you wish to maintain.

The Progressive Form: estar + gerund

Spanish uses the present progressive tense to express actions happening right now or in the immediate future. This is formed by using the verb estar (to be) followed by the gerund form of the main verb. For the verb venir, the gerund is viniendo.

When you combine estamos (we are) with viniendo (coming), you create estamos viniendo, which literally means we are coming. To add the idea of still, you place todavía or aún before the verb phrase:

Todavía estamos viniendo.
We are still coming.

Aún estamos viniendo.
We are still coming.

Both of these expressions work equally well. The choice between todavía and aún often comes down to regional preference, though they are largely interchangeable in this context.

Alternative: The Simple Present Tense

In some contexts, Spanish speakers use the simple present tense to express actions that are about to happen or are happening soon. This is a common and natural way to speak, especially in casual conversations.

Using the present tense of venir in the first-person plural, you get venimos. Adding todavía or aún gives you:

Todavía venimos.
We are still coming.

Aún venimos.
We are still coming.

This form is shorter and more direct than the progressive tense. Native speakers often prefer it in quick exchanges or when confirming attendance at an event. For example, if someone asks whether you are still attending a party, responding with Aún venimos is perfectly natural and commonly heard.

Adding More Context and Detail

Sometimes you may want to provide additional information about when you are coming or under what circumstances. Spanish allows you to add these details naturally to your main phrase.

If you want to express that you are still coming but will arrive late, you can say:

Todavía estamos viniendo, pero llegaremos tarde.
We are still coming, but we will arrive late.

If you want to mention that you are still on your way, you can use en camino (on the way):

Aún estamos en camino.
We are still on the way.

This phrase is extremely useful and commonly used by Spanish speakers when they want to confirm they are coming but have not yet arrived. It provides reassurance and clarity in one simple statement.

Using Estar + Coming Without the Gerund

Another way to express this concept uses the preposition por (by, for) with the infinitive form of the verb:

Todavía estamos por venir.
We are still yet to come.

While less common than the gerund form, this construction is grammatically correct and understood by native speakers. However, the progressive form using the gerund is more standard in everyday speech.

Negative Forms and Clarifications

If you need to express that you are not coming, the structure remains the same, just with the addition of no (not):

No estamos viniendo.
We are not coming.

Ya no venimos.
We are not coming anymore.

The second example uses ya no, which means no longer or not anymore. This is useful when you need to cancel or change your plans and inform someone that you will not be attending after all.

Regional Variations and Informal Speech

In casual, informal speech, Spanish speakers often shorten phrases or use colloquial expressions. In many Latin American countries, you might hear simply:

Todavía llegamos.
We are still arriving.

While llegar literally means to arrive, Spanish speakers sometimes use it interchangeably with venir in informal contexts when discussing when they will reach a location.

In Spain and other regions, speakers might say:

Aún nos presentamos.
We are still showing up.

This uses the reflexive verb presentarse, which means to show up or to present oneself. All of these variations convey the same general idea with slight differences in nuance and formality.

Practical Conversation Examples

Understanding how this phrase works in actual conversation helps solidify your learning. Here are some realistic scenarios where you might use this expression:

Scenario One: Confirming Attendance at a Party

Friend: Are you still coming to my birthday party tonight?
Your response: Sí, aún estamos viniendo. Estaremos ahí en una hora.
Translation: Yes, we are still coming. We will be there in an hour.

Scenario Two: Apologizing for a Delay

Family member: You said you would arrive at seven. Where are you?
Your response: Lo siento, todavía estamos en camino. Hubo tráfico.
Translation: I am sorry, we are still on the way. There was traffic.

Scenario Three: Quick Confirmation

Coworker: Are the clients still coming to the meeting?
Your response: Sí, aún vienen. Confirmaron hace diez minutos.
Translation: Yes, they are still coming. They confirmed ten minutes ago.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning to express this concept, several common errors can occur. One mistake is forgetting to conjugate estar or venir correctly for the plural form. Remember that the first-person plural always uses estamos and venimos, not estoy or vengo.

Another error involves placing todavía or aún in the wrong position. While some flexibility exists in Spanish word order, placing these adverbs at the beginning of the sentence or immediately before the verb conjugation is most natural.

A third mistake involves overthinking the structure. New learners sometimes try to translate word-for-word from English, resulting in awkward constructions. Spanish speakers simply say we are coming (present tense) or we are coming right now (progressive form), with the adverb still placed appropriately.

Choosing Between Different Expressions

You now know several ways to express this idea in Spanish. The question becomes which one to use and when. Generally, the progressive form estamos viniendo is the most precise when you want to emphasize that the action is happening or beginning right now. The simple present venimos is more versatile and works in most casual contexts.

If you want to emphasize that you are on your way without arriving yet, estamos en camino is ideal. If you are confirming future attendance at an event that is not happening immediately, the simple present is perfectly acceptable and natural.

Your choice should depend on the context, the formality level, and what specific information you are trying to convey. Native speakers switch between these forms naturally without thinking too much about the grammatical distinctions, so do not worry if you occasionally mix them.

Practice Tips for Mastery

To truly internalize how to say we are still coming in Spanish, practice in various contexts. Try writing out text messages to friends in Spanish saying you are still coming to events. Record yourself saying these phrases aloud and listen to the pronunciation. Watch Spanish-language television or listen to podcasts where you might hear these expressions used naturally.

Consider creating flashcards with different contexts on one side and the appropriate Spanish response on the other. The more you practice, the more automatic these expressions will become, allowing you to use them naturally in real conversations.

Conclusion

Expressing that we are still coming in Spanish is straightforward once you understand the basic structures. Whether you use the progressive form estamos viniendo, the simple present venimos, or the more specific estamos en camino, you have the tools to communicate this idea clearly and naturally. Remember to place todavía or aún appropriately, conjugate your verbs correctly for the plural form, and adapt your choice of expression to the context. With practice and exposure to native speakers, these phrases will become second nature, helping you navigate Spanish conversations with greater confidence and authenticity.