manda
/MAN-dah/
orders
When 'manda' means 'orders,' it describes the act of giving a command.
manda(verb)
orders
?He/She/It orders
,sends
?He/She/It sends
commands
?He/She/It commands
,is in charge
?He/She/It rules
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The Informal Command
The 'tú' command form (telling a friend what to do) for almost all regular -ar verbs is the same as the 'él/ella/usted' present tense form. So, 'manda' means both 'he/she orders' AND 'Order! (tú form).'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Manda' (Command) and 'Mande' (Formal Command)
Mistake: "Using 'Manda' when speaking formally to a boss or elder."
Correction: Use 'Mande' (from the Usted form) when giving a formal instruction: 'Mande usted el documento' (Send the document, formal).
⭐ Usage Tips
Responding to a Call
In many parts of Mexico, people answer the phone or respond when their name is called by saying '¿Mande?' (a very polite, formal way of saying 'What is your command?').
When 'manda' refers to a 'vow,' it means a solemn, often religious, promise.
manda(noun)
vow
?religious promise
,offering
?religious offering
command
?order or directive (less common than 'orden')
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
As a noun, 'manda' is always feminine, so you will always use 'la manda' or 'una manda'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When you see 'la manda,' it almost always refers to a religious promise or offering, especially in historical or cultural texts. For a simple 'order,' use 'la orden'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: manda
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'manda' as a noun (a religious vow)?
📚 More Resources
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.'