dirigir
/dee-ree-HEER/
to direct
The traffic controller is directing the flow of cars. (dirigir = to direct)
dirigir(verb)
to direct
?a film, traffic, an operation
,to manage
?a company, a project
,to lead
?a team, a conversation
to conduct
?an orchestra
,to run
?a business
📝 In Action
Ella dirige la orquesta sinfónica de la ciudad.
A2She directs the city's symphony orchestra.
Mi jefe dirige el departamento de marketing.
B1My boss manages the marketing department.
El presidente dirigió un mensaje a la nación anoche.
B2The president addressed a message to the nation last night.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'g' to 'j' Change
In the 'yo' form of the present tense, the spelling changes from 'dirigir' to 'dirijo'. This is only to keep the hard 'H' sound (like the Spanish 'j') that you hear in the infinitive.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the spelling change
Mistake: "Yo dirigo."
Correction: Yo dirijo. Remember the 'j' sound is crucial for the first-person present tense.
⭐ Usage Tips
Think of 'Direction'
The core meaning of 'dirigir' is always about providing direction, whether to people, projects, or messages.
The traveler is heading towards the barn. (dirigir = to head towards)
dirigir(verb)
to head towards
?moving to a location
,to go to
?moving to a specific place
to address oneself to
?speaking to a specific person
📝 In Action
Nos dirigimos al aeropuerto para tomar el vuelo.
A2We are heading to the airport to catch the flight.
Si tienes preguntas, dirígete a la mesa de información.
B1If you have questions, go to the information desk.
El orador se dirigió al público con calma.
B2The speaker addressed the audience calmly.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Reflexive Form
When you use 'dirigirse' (with the 'se' attached), it means the action of directing is focused on the subject itself, usually indicating movement towards a destination. Always use the preposition 'a' afterwards.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'a'
Mistake: "Me dirijo la casa."
Correction: Me dirijo a la casa. When heading somewhere, you must use the preposition 'a' (to/at) after the verb.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal 'Going'
'Dirigirse a' often sounds a bit more formal or precise than simply using 'ir a' (to go to).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dirigir
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'dirigir' in the sense of leading a team?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'dirigir' and 'dirigirse'?
'Dirigir' is generally used to mean 'to lead,' 'to manage,' or 'to direct' something external (like a company or a movie). 'Dirigirse' (the reflexive form) means 'to head toward' a location or 'to address' a person or group.
Is 'dirigir' a stem-changing verb?
No, it is not a typical stem-changing verb (like 'dormir' or 'querer'). It is irregular only in the 'yo' form of the present indicative and the entire present subjunctive, where the 'g' changes to 'j' to preserve the 'H' sound.