instrucciones
“instrucciones” means “instructions” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
instructions
Also: directions, manual
📝 In Action
¿Dónde están las instrucciones para armar esta silla?
A1Where are the instructions for assembling this chair?
Perdí las instrucciones del juego.
A2I lost the game's instructions.
Sigue las instrucciones al pie de la letra.
B1Follow the instructions to the letter (exactly).
orders
Also: directives, briefing
📝 In Action
El abogado recibió instrucciones del juez.
B1The lawyer received orders from the judge.
Estamos esperando las instrucciones del cuartel general.
B2We are waiting for the directives from headquarters.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "instrucciones" in Spanish:
briefing→directions→directives→instructions→manual→orders→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: instrucciones
Question 1 of 2
Which verb is most commonly used when you want to say you are doing what the guide tells you?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'instructio,' which meant 'the act of teaching' or 'a building up.' It is related to the verb 'instruere,' meaning 'to build' or 'to furnish with knowledge.'
First recorded: Medieval Latin
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'instrucciones' a feminine noun?
The word comes from the feminine singular noun 'la instrucción.' All plural nouns formed from feminine singular nouns keep the feminine gender, so we always use the feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'las instrucciones,' 'instrucciones claras').
¿Se puede usar la palabra 'direcciones' en lugar de 'instrucciones'?
Yes, 'direcciones' is a good synonym. However, be careful! 'Direcciones' also means 'addresses' (like a house address) or 'geographic directions' (North, South, etc.). 'Instrucciones' is clearer when talking about a manual or a set of steps.