At the A1 level, you might not use 'en curso' yourself very often, but you will see it on signs or in simple documents. Think of it as a label that means 'Wait, this is still happening'. For example, if you see a sign at a school that says 'Curso 2023-2024', it means the school year for those dates. If someone says 'El año en curso', they just mean 'this year'. At this stage, focus on recognizing 'en curso' as a way to say 'now' or 'currently' in a slightly more formal way. You can use it to talk about your current year of study or a project you are doing in class. It is a set phrase, so you don't need to worry about changing the ending of the words.
By A2, you are starting to talk more about your work and daily routines. 'En curso' becomes useful when you want to tell someone that a task they asked for is being worked on. Instead of just saying 'Lo estoy haciendo' (I am doing it), you could say 'El trabajo está en curso' (The work is in progress). This sounds more professional. You will also encounter this phrase when looking at bank statements or online orders. If an order is 'en curso', it means it hasn't been delivered yet but is on its way. It is a great alternative to 'ahora' because it specifically describes a process that has a beginning and an end.
At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex administrative and social situations. 'En curso' is an essential phrase for this level. You should use it to describe ongoing investigations, academic years, and business projects. It helps you distinguish between things that are finished and things that are still active. For example, in a job interview, you might talk about 'proyectos en curso' to show what you are currently working on. You should also be comfortable using it with the verb 'estar' to describe the status of various situations. It adds a layer of precision to your Spanish that is expected at the intermediate level.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'en curso' fluently in both written and spoken Spanish. You will encounter it in complex news articles about politics, economics, and law. You should understand the nuance between 'en curso' and synonyms like 'en marcha' or 'en trámite'. For instance, you would use 'en curso' for a judicial process but 'en trámite' for a passport application. At this level, you can use the phrase to construct more sophisticated sentences, such as 'Dadas las negociaciones en curso, no podemos emitir un juicio final'. It becomes a tool for professional communication and formal argumentation.
For C1 learners, 'en curso' is a standard part of your high-level vocabulary. You will use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'la evolución en curso de la sociedad' (the ongoing evolution of society). You should be aware of its historical roots and how it functions as an invariable adjectival phrase. You will notice it in academic papers and high-level literature where it might be used to describe the flow of time or the progression of a narrative. At this level, your challenge is to ensure you are using the most precise term possible—deciding when 'en curso' is better than 'en desarrollo' or 'latente'.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'en curso'. You understand its every nuance, including its use in very specific legal and archaic contexts. You might encounter it in philosophical texts discussing the 'curso' of history or life. You can use it with total confidence in any professional setting, from a courtroom to a corporate boardroom. You are also able to identify when the phrase is being used ironically or metaphorically in literature. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, and you use it to provide structural clarity to complex, multi-clause sentences.

en curso in 30 Seconds

  • En curso means 'ongoing' or 'in progress' in Spanish. It is a formal and very common phrase used in business and news.
  • It is an invariable phrase, meaning it never changes to match the gender or number of the noun it describes.
  • Always place 'en curso' after the noun it modifies, such as 'el proyecto en curso' or 'las obras en curso'.
  • It is frequently used for time periods like 'el año en curso' (this year) or 'el mes en curso' (this month).
The Spanish phrase en curso is a vital component of the Spanish language, particularly as learners transition from basic conversational skills to more professional, academic, or administrative contexts. At its core, the phrase translates to ongoing, in progress, or currently happening. It is composed of the preposition en (in) and the noun curso (course, path, or flow). When combined, they describe an action, a period of time, or a process that has already started but has not yet reached its conclusion. This phrase is ubiquitous in formal Spanish, appearing in news reports, legal documents, academic schedules, and business meetings. Understanding its use is essential for B1 level students because it allows for the precise description of temporal states. Unlike the word actual, which simply means 'current' in terms of time, en curso emphasizes the continuity and the active development of the subject in question.
Temporal Application
It is most frequently used to refer to the current year, month, or academic cycle. For example, 'el año en curso' specifically refers to the year we are currently living through.

El año escolar en curso terminará en junio de este año.

Procedural Use
In legal or administrative settings, it refers to cases or investigations that are active. 'Una investigación en curso' implies that authorities are still gathering evidence.

Hay una investigación en curso para determinar las causas del accidente.

Los proyectos en curso requieren una revisión inmediata por parte del comité.

Financial Context
In banking, 'operaciones en curso' are transactions that have been initiated but not yet cleared or finalized.

No puedo cerrar la cuenta porque todavía hay transacciones en curso.

La sesión en curso del parlamento durará hasta las ocho de la noche.

In summary, this phrase is the bridge between simple descriptions and professional Spanish. It provides a sense of momentum and continuity to whatever noun it modifies. Whether you are talking about a school year, a business project, or a legal trial, en curso is your go-to expression for describing things that are in the middle of their lifecycle.
Using en curso correctly involves understanding its placement and the types of nouns it typically modifies. Grammatically, it functions as an adjectival phrase. This means it usually follows the noun it is describing. Unlike English, where 'ongoing' can sometimes precede the noun (e.g., 'ongoing negotiations'), in Spanish, en curso almost always comes after the noun. This follows the standard Spanish rule of placing descriptors after the noun they modify.
Noun + En Curso
The most common structure is [Noun] + [en curso]. This identifies the specific entity that is in progress. 'El proceso en curso' (The ongoing process).

El contrato en curso no permite modificaciones unilaterales por ninguna de las partes.

With the Verb 'Estar'
When you want to state that something is currently happening as a condition, use the verb 'estar'. 'La obra está en curso' (The work is in progress).

La construcción del nuevo puente está en curso y se espera que termine el próximo mes.

Todas las solicitudes en curso serán procesadas por orden de llegada.

Fixed Expressions
There are certain nouns that are almost inseparable from 'en curso', such as 'año', 'mes', 'investigación', and 'proyecto'.

Durante el mes en curso, hemos visto un incremento significativo en las ventas.

Las negociaciones en curso entre los dos países son extremadamente delicadas.

It is also important to note that en curso does not change for gender or number. Whether you are talking about 'el proyecto' (masculine singular) or 'las investigaciones' (feminine plural), the phrase remains exactly the same. This makes it a very easy and reliable tool for your vocabulary. Mastering its placement after the noun will make your Spanish sound much more natural and professional. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize that something is 'mid-flow' or 'active' rather than just 'current'.
You will encounter en curso in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the highly formal to the everyday administrative. One of the most common places to hear it is in the news. Journalists use it to describe active stories, ongoing wars, or political processes that are still unfolding. It provides a sense of urgency and currency to the report. In a professional office environment, you will see it in emails and project management software. A task marked as 'en curso' is the Spanish equivalent of 'in progress' on a Trello board or Jira ticket.
Academic Environment
In universities across Spain and Latin America, 'el curso' refers to the academic year. Therefore, 'el curso en curso' (though repetitive) or simply 'el año en curso' is how students and faculty refer to the current school year.

Los estudiantes deben matricularse antes de que termine el semestre en curso.

Legal and Police Reports
Police spokespeople often use the phrase to avoid giving too much detail about an active case. 'Hay una investigación en curso' is the standard way to say 'we are still looking into it'.

No podemos revelar nombres debido a que el proceso judicial está en curso.

El pago se encuentra en curso y debería reflejarse en su cuenta en 24 horas.

Government and Policy
When politicians discuss budgets or social programs, they refer to the 'ejercicio en curso', which is the current fiscal year or operational period.

El presupuesto para el ejercicio en curso ya ha sido asignado totalmente.

La huelga en curso ha afectado a miles de pasajeros en todo el país.

Beyond these formal settings, you might hear it in casual conversation among professionals. For example, a doctor might tell a patient that a treatment is 'en curso' to indicate that they are still waiting for results or that the therapy is continuing. It is a phrase that signals patience and continuity. Whether you are reading a newspaper in Madrid, checking your bank balance in Mexico City, or attending a lecture in Buenos Aires, en curso will be a constant companion in your Spanish journey.
For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using en curso is confusing it with the English word actual. In Spanish, actual means 'current', not 'actual' (which is 'real' or 'verdadero'). While 'el año actual' and 'el año en curso' are often interchangeable, en curso specifically implies that the year is running or unfolding. Another common error is trying to pluralize the phrase.
The Number Error
Learners often think that if the noun is plural, the phrase must be too. They might say 'proyectos en cursos'. This is incorrect. The phrase remains 'en curso' regardless of the number of items.

Incorrecto: Los trámites en cursos tardarán una semana.
Correcto: Los trámites en curso tardarán una semana.

Preposition Confusion
Sometimes students use 'a curso' or 'por curso'. These are not standard and usually result from a direct translation of 'to course' or 'by course'. Stick strictly to 'en'.

No digas: La obra está a curso.
Di: La obra está en curso.

El motor está en marcha, pero el viaje está en curso.

Misunderstanding 'Curso'
Don't confuse 'en curso' with 'hacer un curso' (to take a course/class). If you are in the middle of a class, you say 'estoy en clase', not 'estoy en curso'.

Incorrecto: Estoy en curso de matemáticas.
Correcto: Estoy tomando un curso de matemáticas.

Las reformas en curso son necesarias para la economía.

Finally, be careful not to use it for things that are instantaneous. You wouldn't say 'el parpadeo en curso' (the ongoing blink) because a blink is too short to be considered a 'course' or a 'flow'. Use it for things that have a significant duration. By avoiding these pitfalls, you will use en curso with the precision of a native speaker.
Spanish offers several ways to say that something is in progress, and choosing the right one depends on the register and the specific nature of the activity. En curso is the most formal and administrative choice. However, in more casual or dynamic situations, you might use other terms.
En Marcha vs. En Curso
'En marcha' literally means 'in gear' or 'on the move'. It is used for machines, engines, or plans that have just been activated. 'En curso' is more about the steady state of being in progress.

Pusimos el plan en marcha ayer; ahora el proyecto está en curso.

Pendiente vs. En Curso
'Pendiente' means 'pending' or 'waiting to be done'. If a task is 'pendiente', work hasn't necessarily started. If it is 'en curso', work is actively happening.

Tengo tres tareas pendientes y una en curso.

El director actual supervisa todas las obras en curso.

En Trámite
This is specifically for paperwork or bureaucratic processes. If you are waiting for a visa or a permit, it is 'en trámite'.

Mi pasaporte está en trámite; espero recibirlo la próxima semana.

El festival se está desarrollando con total normalidad en la plaza mayor.

Other alternatives include 'progresando' (progressing) and 'llevándose a cabo' (being carried out). While 'en curso' is perfectly fine, varying your vocabulary with these synonyms will help you reach a C1 level of fluency. However, for B1 learners, mastering 'en curso' is the priority as it is the most versatile and professional building block for describing active processes.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Neutral

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Informal

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Child friendly

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Slang

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Fun Fact

The English words 'current', 'currency', and 'courier' all share the same Latin root as 'curso'. They all relate to the idea of something moving or flowing.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /en ˈkuɾ.so/
US /en ˈkuɾ.so/
The stress is on the first syllable of 'curso' (kur).
Rhymes With
Recurso Discurso Concurso Transcurso Incurso Excurso Vurso (rare) Turso (rare)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.
  • Making the 'o' at the end sound like 'oh' (diphthong) instead of a pure 'o' sound.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'en' so it sounds like 'een'.
  • Merging the two words into 'encurso' without a pause.
  • Pronouncing 'curso' as 'cur-so' with a long 'u' like 'moon'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text once learned.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering not to pluralize it.

Speaking 3/5

Requires the correct tapped 'r' pronunciation.

Listening 2/5

Clear and distinct in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

En Curso Año Proyecto Estar

Learn Next

En marcha En trámite Desarrollo Actualidad Vigente

Advanced

Transcurso Pormenores Ejecución Tramitación Vigencia

Grammar to Know

Adjective placement

El año (noun) en curso (adjective phrase).

Invariable phrases

Las obras (plural) en curso (stays singular).

Prepositional phrases as adjectives

Un hombre de honor / Un proyecto en curso.

Verb 'Estar' for conditions

El trabajo está en curso (condition, not essence).

Distinction between actual and current

Actual (current) vs En curso (ongoing).

Examples by Level

1

Estamos en el año en curso.

We are in the current year.

Uses 'en curso' to modify 'año'.

2

El curso escolar empieza hoy.

The school year starts today.

'Curso' here is the noun for 'school year'.

3

Mi tarea está en curso.

My homework is in progress.

Uses 'estar' + 'en curso'.

4

El mes en curso es mayo.

The current month is May.

Modifies 'mes'.

5

Tengo un proyecto en curso.

I have an ongoing project.

Directly follows the noun 'proyecto'.

6

La clase está en curso ahora.

The class is in progress now.

Refers to the session being active.

7

Vemos los días del año en curso.

We see the days of the current year.

Standard temporal use.

8

El pago está en curso.

The payment is in progress.

Common in banking/apps.

1

La reparación de la calle está en curso.

The street repair is in progress.

Describes a physical process.

2

Hay muchas obras en curso en la ciudad.

There are many works in progress in the city.

Plural noun, but 'en curso' stays singular.

3

El pedido número cinco está en curso.

Order number five is in progress.

Common in logistics.

4

Durante el trimestre en curso, estudiaremos historia.

During the current trimester, we will study history.

Modifies a specific time period.

5

Mi suscripción para el año en curso es gratis.

My subscription for the current year is free.

Standard administrative use.

6

La reunión en curso terminará pronto.

The ongoing meeting will end soon.

Describes an event.

7

Tenemos varias solicitudes en curso.

We have several requests in progress.

Business context.

8

El proceso de selección está en curso.

The selection process is in progress.

Refers to a HR process.

1

La investigación en curso revelará la verdad.

The ongoing investigation will reveal the truth.

Formal journalistic style.

2

Debemos revisar los presupuestos del ejercicio en curso.

We must review the budgets for the current fiscal year.

'Ejercicio' refers to the fiscal period.

3

Las negociaciones en curso son muy prometedoras.

The ongoing negotiations are very promising.

Plural noun with singular phrase.

4

El contrato en curso vence en diciembre.

The current contract expires in December.

Refers to the active period of a legal agreement.

5

Hay una huelga en curso en el sector del transporte.

There is an ongoing strike in the transport sector.

Describes a social event.

6

El proyecto en curso requiere más personal.

The ongoing project requires more staff.

Standard project management use.

7

La sesión parlamentaria en curso es muy intensa.

The ongoing parliamentary session is very intense.

Political context.

8

Las obras en curso dificultan el tráfico.

The ongoing works make traffic difficult.

Cause and effect relationship.

1

A pesar de la crisis en curso, la empresa sigue creciendo.

Despite the ongoing crisis, the company continues to grow.

Uses 'en curso' to define a state of crisis.

2

El informe detalla todas las operaciones en curso.

The report details all ongoing operations.

Professional reporting.

3

Los cambios en curso afectarán a todos los empleados.

The ongoing changes will affect all employees.

Abstract concept (changes).

4

Mantener las tradiciones en curso es vital para la cultura.

Maintaining ongoing traditions is vital for culture.

Metaphorical use for cultural continuity.

5

La auditoría en curso no ha encontrado irregularidades.

The ongoing audit has not found irregularities.

Specific professional process.

6

El semestre en curso ha sido el más difícil hasta ahora.

The current semester has been the most difficult so far.

Academic evaluation.

7

Se espera que las pruebas en curso terminen mañana.

Ongoing tests are expected to finish tomorrow.

Scientific context.

8

La transición energética en curso es imparable.

The ongoing energy transition is unstoppable.

Large scale societal change.

1

La metamorfosis social en curso redefine nuestra identidad.

The ongoing social metamorphosis redefines our identity.

High-level abstract noun.

2

El pleito en curso podría sentar un precedente legal.

The ongoing lawsuit could set a legal precedent.

Formal legal terminology.

3

Debemos analizar las tendencias en curso del mercado global.

We must analyze ongoing global market trends.

Economic analysis.

4

La obra en curso del autor explora temas existenciales.

The author's ongoing work explores existential themes.

Refers to a creative process.

5

Las hostilidades en curso impiden la llegada de ayuda.

Ongoing hostilities prevent the arrival of aid.

Journalistic/Political register.

6

El diálogo en curso busca una solución pacífica.

The ongoing dialogue seeks a peaceful solution.

Diplomatic context.

7

La reestructuración en curso de la deuda es necesaria.

The ongoing restructuring of the debt is necessary.

Macroeconomic context.

8

El debate en curso sobre el clima es fundamental.

The ongoing climate debate is fundamental.

Societal discourse.

1

La dialéctica en curso entre razón y fe es milenaria.

The ongoing dialectic between reason and faith is ancient.

Philosophical register.

2

La vigencia del contrato en curso es objeto de disputa.

The validity of the ongoing contract is a matter of dispute.

Precise legal language.

3

El devenir en curso de la historia nos sorprende siempre.

The ongoing becoming of history always surprises us.

Highly literary/philosophical.

4

Resulta imperativo monitorizar las fluctuaciones en curso.

It is imperative to monitor ongoing fluctuations.

Scientific/Academic precision.

5

La erosión en curso del suelo amenaza la agricultura.

Ongoing soil erosion threatens agriculture.

Environmental science context.

6

Las sinergias en curso potenciarán el resultado final.

Ongoing synergies will boost the final result.

Corporate/Scientific jargon.

7

El proceso de paz en curso es frágil pero vital.

The ongoing peace process is fragile but vital.

International relations.

8

La investigación en curso arroja luz sobre el genoma.

Ongoing research sheds light on the genome.

Advanced science.

Common Collocations

Año en curso
Investigación en curso
Proyecto en curso
Mes en curso
Ejercicio en curso
Proceso en curso
Obras en curso
Negociaciones en curso
Semestre en curso
Trámites en curso

Common Phrases

Estar en curso

— To be in progress or happening now.

La fiesta ya está en curso.

Seguir en curso

— To continue being in progress.

La huelga sigue en curso tras tres días.

Poner en curso

— To set something in motion (less common than 'en marcha').

Pusimos la solicitud en curso ayer.

Mantener en curso

— To keep something going as it is.

Debemos mantener el proyecto en curso.

A finales del año en curso

— At the end of the current year.

Viajaré a finales del año en curso.

Durante el mes en curso

— Throughout the current month.

No habrá cambios durante el mes en curso.

Operación en curso

— An active operation or transaction.

Hay una operación bancaria en curso.

Caso en curso

— An active legal or medical case.

No puedo hablar de un caso en curso.

Tratamiento en curso

— An active medical treatment.

El paciente tiene un tratamiento en curso.

Con el año en curso

— With the current year (as it passes).

Con el año en curso, los precios han subido.

Often Confused With

en curso vs En camino

Means 'on the way' physically, whereas 'en curso' is for processes.

en curso vs Actual

Means 'current' but doesn't necessarily imply a process is happening.

en curso vs En clase

Students often say 'estoy en curso' when they mean 'I am in class'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dar curso a"

— To process or give way to a request or document.

El juez dio curso a la demanda.

Formal
"Seguir su curso"

— To let something happen naturally without interference.

Deja que la naturaleza siga su curso.

General
"Cambiar el curso"

— To change the direction or outcome of something.

Esa decisión cambió el curso de mi vida.

General
"En el curso de"

— During the course of / while something is happening.

En el curso de la cena, hablamos de política.

Formal
"Curso legal"

— Legal tender (money that must be accepted).

El euro es de curso legal en España.

Legal/Financial
"A curso"

— Incorrect usage (common mistake for 'en curso').

No se dice 'a curso'.

Error
"Curso de acción"

— A plan or direction to follow.

Debemos decidir nuestro próximo curso de acción.

Formal
"Fuera de curso"

— Out of circulation or no longer valid.

Esas monedas están fuera de curso.

Financial
"Curso intensivo"

— An intensive course or crash course.

Hice un curso intensivo de español.

General
"Curso de la vida"

— The path or flow of one's life.

Acepto el curso de la vida.

Literary

Easily Confused

en curso vs Actual

Looks like the English word 'actual'.

'Actual' means current. 'En curso' means ongoing. Use 'en curso' for processes.

El presidente actual (current) tiene una reforma en curso (ongoing).

en curso vs En marcha

Both mean in progress.

'En marcha' is for machines or plans starting. 'En curso' is for formal processes.

Pon el coche en marcha; el viaje está en curso.

en curso vs Cursillo

Diminutive of curso.

A 'cursillo' is a short course/workshop. It is a noun, not a status.

Hice un cursillo de cocina.

en curso vs Trámite

Often used together.

A 'trámite' is the procedure itself. 'En curso' is the status of that procedure.

El trámite está en curso.

en curso vs Pendiente

Both refer to unfinished things.

'Pendiente' means not yet started/decided. 'En curso' means work has started.

La tarea pendiente se puso en curso hoy.

Sentence Patterns

A1

El [Noun] en curso.

El año en curso.

A2

Estar + en curso.

La obra está en curso.

B1

Durante el [Noun] en curso.

Durante el mes en curso.

B1

Tener + [Noun] + en curso.

Tengo un proyecto en curso.

B2

[Noun] + en curso + verbo.

Las negociaciones en curso fracasaron.

C1

Dada/o el/la [Noun] en curso.

Dada la investigación en curso, no diré nada.

C1

A pesar de [Noun] en curso.

A pesar de la crisis en curso, comemos bien.

C2

El devenir del [Noun] en curso.

El devenir del proceso en curso es incierto.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

High in written/professional Spanish; Moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes
  • Los proyectos en cursos. Los proyectos en curso.

    The phrase 'en curso' is invariable and does not change for plural nouns.

  • Estoy en curso de español. Estoy en clase de español / Estoy tomando un curso de español.

    'En curso' describes a status, not the act of being in a classroom.

  • El año actual en curso. El año en curso.

    Using both 'actual' and 'en curso' is redundant. Choose one.

  • La obra está a curso. La obra está en curso.

    The correct preposition is always 'en'.

  • Tengo un curso proyecto. Tengo un proyecto en curso.

    The phrase must follow the noun it modifies.

Tips

Stay Singular

Never add an 's' to 'curso' when using this phrase. Even if you have 100 projects, they are all 'en curso'.

Professionalism

Use 'en curso' in your resume to describe your current job responsibilities or projects.

Business Spanish

In a meeting, use 'el estado en curso' to talk about the current status of a deal.

News Trigger

When you hear 'en curso' on the news, get ready for details about an active investigation or event.

Smooth Transition

Practice saying 'año en curso' as one word to sound more like a native speaker.

Email Status

Start an email with 'Respecto al proyecto en curso...' to sound authoritative and clear.

Academic Year

Remember that 'el curso' often just means 'the school year' in Spain.

Flow Concept

Think of 'curso' as 'course' like a river. It helps you remember the 'ongoing' meaning.

Not for People

Don't say 'Juan está en curso'. Say 'El trabajo de Juan está en curso'.

Formal vs Informal

Swap 'estoy haciendo' for 'está en curso' in formal reports to impress your boss.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a river 'running' its course. If you are 'en curso', you are in the middle of that running river—you haven't reached the ocean (the end) yet.

Visual Association

Imagine a loading bar on a computer screen that says 'En curso' instead of 'Loading'. The bar is half-full, showing progress.

Word Web

Proyecto Investigación Año Mes Proceso Negociación Obras Trámites

Challenge

Try to use 'en curso' three times today: once for your Spanish studies, once for a work task, and once for the current month.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'cursus', which is the past participle of 'currere' (to run). It literally means 'a running' or 'a flow'.

Original meaning: A path, a track, or the act of running in a specific direction.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but using it for people (e.g., 'Juan está en curso') sounds strange and should be avoided.

English speakers often say 'in progress' or 'ongoing'. 'En curso' is the perfect equivalent for these, especially in professional emails.

Used in official BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado) documents in Spain. Commonly seen in the 'Estado del Pedido' section of Amazon Spain. Used by news anchors on RTVE and CNN en Español.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

  • Estado en curso
  • Proyectos en curso
  • Presupuesto en curso
  • Contrato en curso

Academic

  • Año escolar en curso
  • Semestre en curso
  • Grado en curso
  • Tesis en curso

Legal

  • Juicio en curso
  • Investigación en curso
  • Proceso en curso
  • Demanda en curso

Banking

  • Transferencia en curso
  • Operación en curso
  • Cobro en curso
  • Pago en curso

News/Media

  • Noticia en curso
  • Crisis en curso
  • Huelga en curso
  • Conflicto en curso

Conversation Starters

"¿Qué proyectos tienes en curso en este momento?"

"¿Cómo te va en el semestre en curso?"

"¿Hay alguna investigación en curso sobre ese tema?"

"¿Crees que el año en curso ha sido mejor que el anterior?"

"¿Tienes algún trámite en curso en la embajada?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un proyecto personal que tengas en curso y cuáles son tus próximos pasos.

Escribe sobre los desafíos que has enfrentado durante el año en curso.

¿Qué procesos en curso en el mundo actual te preocupan más y por qué?

Reflexiona sobre una meta que esté en curso y cómo te sientes al respecto.

Imagina que eres un periodista informando sobre una noticia en curso importante.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'en curso' is an invariable phrase. You should say 'Los proyectos están en curso'. The word 'curso' does not change to plural in this context.

Yes, it is the most accurate translation for 'ongoing' in a formal or professional context in Spanish.

No, it is better to say 'estoy ocupado' or 'estoy trabajando'. 'En curso' is used for tasks, processes, or time periods, not for people.

They are very similar. 'Año actual' just means the present year. 'Año en curso' emphasizes that the year is currently running or unfolding.

Yes, it is considered formal and professional. You will see it in newspapers, legal documents, and business reports.

Not usually. You would say 'la película se está proyectando' or 'la película ha empezado'. 'En curso' is for longer processes.

You could say 'estoy en ello' (I'm on it) or 'lo estoy haciendo' (I'm doing it).

'En curso' is the status (ongoing). 'En el curso de' means 'during the course of' (e.g., 'en el curso de la semana').

Yes, for a tournament or a season. 'La liga en curso' refers to the current active season.

The most common opposites are 'finalizado', 'terminado', or 'concluido'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence about your current school year using 'año en curso'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a project you are working on using 'en curso'.

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writing

How would you tell a customer their order is being processed?

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writing

Use 'investigación en curso' in a formal news sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'obras en curso' and 'tráfico'.

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writing

Explain why you can't talk about a court case using 'en curso'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a bank transfer being in progress.

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writing

Use 'en curso' to describe a current month.

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writing

Write a short email sentence stating your thesis is in progress.

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writing

Create a sentence using 'negociaciones en curso'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a strike using 'en curso'.

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writing

Describe a medical treatment using 'en curso'.

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writing

Use 'ejercicio en curso' in a sentence about money.

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writing

Write a sentence about a football season using 'en curso'.

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writing

Translate: 'The ongoing reform will change everything.'

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writing

Use 'en curso' to modify 'semestre'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a film festival being active.

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writing

Create a sentence about a repair using 'en curso'.

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writing

Use 'en curso' in a sentence about a global crisis.

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writing

Write a sentence about a transition using 'en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'El año en curso' out loud.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'La investigación está en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'Tengo un proyecto en curso'.

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speaking

Explain what 'en curso' means in Spanish.

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speaking

Say: 'Durante el mes en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'Las obras en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'El pago está en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'El semestre en curso es difícil'.

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speaking

Say: 'Hay una huelga en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'Las negociaciones en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'El proceso está en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'El ejercicio en curso fiscal'.

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speaking

Say: 'No podemos hablar del caso en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'Mi trámite está en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'La transición está en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'El debate en curso'.

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Say: 'La construcción está en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'El tratamiento está en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'La auditoría en curso'.

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speaking

Say: 'Seguiremos el asunto en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'El año en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'La investigación en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'El proyecto está en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'Durante el mes en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'Las obras en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'El pago está en curso'.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 'Hay una huelga en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'El semestre en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'Negociaciones en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'El trámite está en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'El ejercicio en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'La crisis en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'El proceso está en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'Transferencias en curso'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'La sesión está en curso'.

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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