Meaning
Informing someone that you are currently traveling to a destination.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'estar de camino' is the most natural way to say you've left. If you say 'estoy llegando', people expect you in 2 minutes. If you say 'estoy de camino', it could mean 5 to 20 minutes. Mexicans often use 'ya merito llego' (I'm almost there) alongside 'estoy en camino'. 'En camino' is slightly more common than 'de camino' here. In the Rioplatense region, the gerund 'estoy yendo' (I'm going) is extremely popular. It's so common it's often shortened to 'estoy yendo' even if they haven't left the house yet. Colombians might use 'voy bajando' or 'voy subiendo' depending on the topography of the city (like Medellín or Bogotá) instead of just 'de camino'.
The WhatsApp Trick
If you are late, send 'Ya estoy de camino' even if you are just locking the door. It's a common social lubricant in Spain!
Ser vs Estar
Never say 'Soy de camino'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'estar'.
Meaning
Informing someone that you are currently traveling to a destination.
The WhatsApp Trick
If you are late, send 'Ya estoy de camino' even if you are just locking the door. It's a common social lubricant in Spain!
Ser vs Estar
Never say 'Soy de camino'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'estar'.
Add 'Ya'
Adding 'Ya' (Ya estoy de camino) makes it sound more natural and emphasizes that you have already started moving.
Regional Choice
Use 'en camino' in Mexico and 'de camino' in Spain to sound like a local.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'estar'.
Nosotros _______ de camino al aeropuerto.
The subject is 'nosotros', so the verb must be 'estamos'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am on my way'?
We use 'estar' for temporary states and 'camino' is masculine.
Complete the WhatsApp conversation.
Amigo: ¿Dónde estás? Ya empezó la película. Tú: Perdón, ________________.
The context of being late for a movie suggests you are currently traveling.
Match the phrase to the context.
Your Amazon package is being delivered.
In a delivery context, 'su pedido' (your order) is the subject.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNosotros _______ de camino al aeropuerto.
The subject is 'nosotros', so the verb must be 'estamos'.
How do you say 'I am on my way'?
We use 'estar' for temporary states and 'camino' is masculine.
Amigo: ¿Dónde estás? Ya empezó la película. Tú: Perdón, ________________.
The context of being late for a movie suggests you are currently traveling.
Your Amazon package is being delivered.
In a delivery context, 'su pedido' (your order) is the subject.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct. 'De camino' is more common in Spain, while 'en camino' is more common in Latin America.
Yes, it works for any mode of transportation: walking, driving, bus, or train.
Because 'camino' is a noun meaning 'road', not an adjective. Nouns don't change gender based on the speaker.
It means 'you caught me while I was already on my way somewhere'.
Yes, 'El paquete está de camino' is very common in tracking updates.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Use 'Estoy de camino de vuelta'.
Yes, 'voy de camino' is also very common and emphasizes the action of going.
'Estoy yendo' is more common in Argentina and is a bit more informal.
You can say 'Estoy de camino hacia ti' or simply 'Voy para allá'.
Related Phrases
Ponerse en camino
builds onTo set out / to start the journey
Quedarse a mitad de camino
similarTo fall short / to stop halfway
De paso
similarPassing through
Abrir camino
specialized formTo blaze a trail / to pioneer
Estar al caer
similarTo be just about to arrive
