manda
“manda” means “orders” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
orders, sends
Also: commands, is in charge
📝 In Action
Mi jefe siempre manda correos a medianoche.
A2My boss always sends emails at midnight.
Ella manda en su casa, no su esposo.
B1She is in charge of her house, not her husband.
Dile a Ricardo que manda el paquete hoy mismo.
A2Tell Ricardo to send the package today.
vow, offering
Also: command
📝 In Action
La abuela cumplió su manda caminando descalza hasta el templo.
B2The grandmother fulfilled her vow by walking barefoot to the temple.
Dejó una manda de flores en el altar.
B2She left an offering of flowers on the altar.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: manda
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'manda' as a noun (a religious vow)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin verb *mandare*, meaning 'to commit, to entrust, or to command.' The Spanish verb 'mandar' and the noun 'manda' both inherited these core meanings of 'sending' and 'ordering.'
First recorded: Early Romance languages (around the 10th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'manda' the same as 'mandar'?
No. 'Mandar' is the base verb (the infinitive, meaning 'to order' or 'to send'). 'Manda' is a specific form of that verb (He/She/It orders/sends) AND it is a feminine noun meaning 'vow' or 'order'.
How do I know if 'manda' means 'orders' or 'sends'?
The context usually makes it clear. If the word is followed by an object like 'carta' (letter) or 'paquete' (package), it means 'sends.' If it describes who is in control, it means 'orders' or 'is in charge.'