controla
/kohn-TROH-lah/
controls
He, she, or it controls (controla) the mechanism.
controla(Verb)
controls
?He, she, or it controls
,manages
?He, she, or it manages
is in charge of
?Having authority over something
,you (formal) control
?When speaking formally to one person (usted)
📝 In Action
Mi hermana controla el presupuesto familiar.
A1My sister controls the family budget.
El piloto automático controla la velocidad del avión.
A2The autopilot controls the speed of the plane.
💡 Grammar Points
The Hidden 'You'
Remember that 'controla' can mean 'he controls,' 'she controls,' or 'you (formal) control.' Spanish often leaves out the subject pronoun (él, ella, usted) when the meaning is clear.
Used as an informal command, ¡Controla! means "Control!" or "Get control of yourself/it!"
controla(Verb (Command form))
Control!
?Informal command to one person (tú)
Get a grip!
?A command regarding emotions or behavior
📝 In Action
¡Controla tu respiración! Estamos cerca de la meta.
A2Control your breathing! We are close to the finish line.
Si te enojas, controla tu temperamento antes de hablar.
B1If you get angry, control your temper before speaking.
💡 Grammar Points
Informal Commands are Easy
The informal affirmative command form (tú command) for almost all regular verbs is exactly the same as the 'he/she/it' form in the present tense. For 'controlar', the command is 'controla'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Negative Commands are Different
Mistake: "To tell someone NOT to control something, don't say 'no controla'."
Correction: You must use the subjunctive form: 'No controles ese botón' (Don't control/touch that button).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: controla
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'controla' as an informal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'controla' is a command or a statement?
If 'controla' is at the beginning of the sentence, often with an exclamation mark, and is directed at an informal 'you' (tú), it is usually a command. If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' 'usted,' or a noun (El jefe), it is a statement about what that person or thing is doing.
What is the difference between 'controla' and 'controle'?
'Controla' is the command you give to a friend (`tú`). 'Controle' is the command you give to someone formally, like your boss or a stranger (`usted`).