mandado
/man-DAH-doh/
errand
When 'mandado' means "errand," it refers to a small task, often involving going somewhere.
mandado(noun)
errand
?a small task, often involving going somewhere
chore
?small domestic task
,groceries/shopping
?the items bought, or the act of going shopping (especially for food)
📝 In Action
Necesito hacer un mandado rápido a la farmacia.
A2I need to run a quick errand to the pharmacy.
El niño se fue a entregar el mandado a casa de la vecina.
B1The boy went to deliver the message/goods to the neighbor's house.
Ya compré todo el mandado, solo falta guardarlo.
A2I already bought all the groceries, I just need to put them away.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though 'errand' is a concept, mandado is a masculine noun, so use the article el or un.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb
Mistake: "Voy a correr un mandado."
Correction: Voy a hacer un mandado. (Use *hacer* 'to do/make', not *correr* 'to run', when describing the action of the errand.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Doing' Part
You almost always use the verb hacer (to do/make) with mandado to describe running the errand: hacer un mandado.
As an adjective, 'mandado' translates to "sent," meaning something has been dispatched or directed.
📝 In Action
El informe fue mandado por correo electrónico esta mañana.
B1The report was sent by email this morning.
La tropa estaba mandada por el sargento.
B2The troop was commanded by the sergeant.
Las flores ya están mandadas.
B1The flowers have already been sent.
💡 Grammar Points
The Root Verb
This form comes from the verb mandar, which means 'to send,' 'to order,' or 'to command.' The noun 'errand' is a task that was ordered or sent.
Agreement is Key
When mandado acts like an adjective (e.g., after ser or estar), it must change endings to match the person or thing it describes: La carta fue mandada (feminine).
⭐ Usage Tips
Perfect Tenses
You use mandado with haber (to have) to form perfect tenses: He mandado el email (I have sent the email).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mandado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'mandado' as a noun (meaning errand)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'mandado' mean both 'errand' and 'sent'?
The two meanings are closely related! *Mandado* is the past form of the verb *mandar* (to command/send). An errand (the noun) is simply a task or message that you were 'sent' or 'ordered' to do.
Is 'mandado' the same as 'recado'?
They are synonyms, but 'recado' often refers more specifically to the message itself, while 'mandado' usually refers to the physical task or trip (the errand) needed to complete the message or chore.