dictar
“dictar” means “to dictate” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to dictate
Also: to read out
📝 In Action
El profesor dicta las notas a la clase.
A2The teacher dictates the notes to the class.
Por favor, dítame tu número de teléfono.
B1Please, dictate your phone number to me.
Es difícil escribir si dictas tan rápido.
B2It is hard to write if you dictate so fast.
to issue
Also: to pass, to decree
📝 In Action
El juez dictó la sentencia esta mañana.
B2The judge handed down the sentence this morning.
El gobierno dictó nuevas leyes para el tráfico.
B2The government issued new laws for traffic.
No dejes que otros dicten tu destino.
C1Don't let others dictate your destiny.
to give
Also: to teach
📝 In Action
El Dr. García va a dictar una charla hoy.
B1Dr. García is going to give a talk today.
Ella dicta clases de español en la universidad.
B1She teaches Spanish classes at the university.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: dictar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence refers to a judge making a legal decision?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'dictare', which is the frequentative form of 'dicere' (to say). It originally meant 'to say repeatedly' or 'to suggest'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'dictar' always about writing?
No. While it often means speaking for someone to write, it also means to officially issue orders or laws, or to teach a university class.
What is the difference between 'leer' and 'dictar'?
'Leer' is just to read. 'Dictar' implies the specific purpose of having someone else record or obey what is being read.
Is 'dictar' a regular verb?
Yes! It follows the standard pattern for all -ar verbs in all tenses, making it very easy to conjugate.