Inklingo

dirigir

dee-ree-HEERdi.ɾiˈxiɾ

dirigir means to direct in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

to direct, to manage, to leadAlso: to conduct, to run

VerbA2irregular (g>j in 'yo' present) ir
A simplified illustration of a person wearing a bright vest standing at a street intersection, using clear hand signals to guide the movement of two small, colorful toy-like cars.
infinitivedirigir
gerunddirigiendo
past Participledirigido

📝 In Action

Ella dirige la orquesta sinfónica de la ciudad.

A2

She directs the city's symphony orchestra.

Mi jefe dirige el departamento de marketing.

B1

My boss manages the marketing department.

El presidente dirigió un mensaje a la nación anoche.

B2

The president addressed a message to the nation last night.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • dirigir un equipoto lead a team
  • dirigir la palabrato address or speak to (someone)

to head towards, to go toAlso: to address oneself to

VerbA2reflexive usage ir
A small figure walking purposefully along a winding green path toward a prominent, brightly colored house visible on the horizon.
infinitivedirigirse
gerunddirigiéndose
past Participledirigido

📝 In Action

Nos dirigimos al aeropuerto para tomar el vuelo.

A2

We are heading to the airport to catch the flight.

Si tienes preguntas, dirígete a la mesa de información.

B1

If you have questions, go to the information desk.

El orador se dirigió al público con calma.

B2

The speaker addressed the audience calmly.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ir (to go)
  • encaminarse (to set off)

Common Collocations

  • dirigirse a pieto head on foot
  • dirigirse haciato head towards

Indicative

Present

yodirijo
diriges
él/ella/usteddirige
nosotrosdirigimos
vosotrosdirigís
ellos/ellas/ustedesdirigen

Imperfect

yodirigía
dirigías
él/ella/usteddirigía
nosotrosdirigíamos
vosotrosdirigíais
ellos/ellas/ustedesdirigían

Preterite

yodirigí
dirigiste
él/ella/usteddirigió
nosotrosdirigimos
vosotrosdirigisteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesdirigieron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yodirija
dirijas
él/ella/usteddirija
nosotrosdirijamos
vosotrosdirijáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesdirijan

Imperfect Subjunctive

yodirigiera
dirigieras
él/ella/usteddirigiera
nosotrosdirigiéramos
vosotrosdirigierais
ellos/ellas/ustedesdirigieran

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "dirigir" in Spanish:

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes
📚 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)

English: directFrench: diriger

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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.