dirigir
“dirigir” means “to direct” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to direct, to manage, to lead
Also: to conduct, to run
📝 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.
to head towards, to go to
Also: to address oneself to
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: dirigir
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'dirigir' in the sense of leading a team?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *dirigere*, meaning 'to set straight' or 'to guide,' formed by combining 'di-' (apart, away) and *regere* (to guide, to rule).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.