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verbsCard 92 of 100

andar vs caminar

Both mean 'to walk'. Caminar is the neutral verb. Andar is looser and often means 'to be' or 'to go about'.

caminar

To walk — the physical action, often a purposeful journey on foot.

  • Camino al trabajo todos los días.

    I walk to work every day.

    Standard walking.

  • Caminar es muy sano.

    Walking is very healthy.

    As a noun-like subject.

  • Caminaron por el bosque.

    They walked through the forest.

    Journey or exploration on foot.

andar

To walk, to go about, to be (in a state), and to work (of a device).

  • Anda por la calle sin mirar.

    He walks down the street without looking.

    Casual walking.

  • Anda buscando trabajo.

    He's looking for a job (these days).

    Andar + gerund = to be doing something over a period.

  • ¡Anda ya!

    Oh come on! / No way!

    Exclamation of disbelief. Also 'anda' for surprise or encouragement.

Tricky bit

'¿Cómo andas?' = how are you getting on? 'No anda' for a machine means it's not working (common in Argentina). Andar covers many moods; caminar is always on foot.