controla
“controla” means “controls” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
controls, manages
Also: is in charge of, you (formal) control
📝 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.
Control!
Also: Get a grip!
📝 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.
🔄 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
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Old French 'contrerole' (a register used to verify accounts), which itself comes from Late Latin 'contra-rotulus' (meaning 'against the roll' or list). It originally meant to check records, but evolved to mean having authority or management over something.
First recorded: Mid-17th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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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`).