mandan

/MAHN-dahn/

they command

A group of kings and queens in royal attire pointing their arms forward together to give a command.

In this context, 'mandan' shows a group of people giving a command.

mandan(verb)

A1regular ar

they command

giving an order

they are in charge

holding authority

Also:

you all command

speaking to a group (ustedes)

they boss around

informal or negative sense

📝 In Action

Ellos mandan en esta oficina.

They are in charge in this office.

Ustedes mandan, yo solo obedezco.

You all are in charge; I only obey.

Mis padres mandan que llegue temprano.

My parents order me to arrive early.

Word Connections

Synonyms

ordenan (they order)
gobiernan (they govern/rule)

Antonyms

obedecen (they obey)
sirven (they serve)

Common Collocations

mandan un mensaje – they send a message
los que mandan – those in power

Idioms & Expressions

donde manda capitán, no manda marinero – when the boss gives an order, the subordinates have no say

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Mandan' for Orders

When 'mandan' is used to say they 'order' someone to do something, the action they want usually requires a special verb form: 'Mandan que vengas' (They order that you come).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Mandan with Enviar

Mistake: "Only using 'enviar' for sending."

Correction: 'Mandar' (and 'mandan') is actually more common in daily speech for sending things like messages or packages.

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Who' in Mandan

Remember that 'mandan' always refers to 'they' (ellos/ellas) or 'you all' (ustedes). If you are talking about just one person, use 'manda'.

Two people handing a large brown cardboard package to a delivery person.

Here, 'mandan' represents the action of sending or shipping a package.

mandan(verb)

A1regular ar

they send

shipping or mailing

Also:

you all send

addressing a group

📝 In Action

Ellos mandan muchas flores.

They send many flowers.

¿Mandan ustedes el correo hoy?

Are you all sending the mail today?

Word Connections

Synonyms

envían (they send)
remiten (they remit/send)

Antonyms

reciben (they receive)

Common Collocations

mandan saludos – they send regards

💡 Grammar Points

Sending to Someone

When sending something to a person, use 'le' or 'les' before 'mandan': 'Le mandan un regalo' (They send a gift to him/her).

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesmandaran

yomandara

túmandaras

vosotrosmandarais

nosotrosmandáramos

él/ella/ustedmandara

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesmanden

yomande

túmandes

vosotrosmandéis

nosotrosmandemos

él/ella/ustedmande

indicative

preterite

ellos/ellas/ustedesmandaron

yomandé

túmandaste

vosotrosmandasteis

nosotrosmandamos

él/ella/ustedmandó

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesmandaban

yomandaba

túmandabas

vosotrosmandabais

nosotrosmandábamos

él/ella/ustedmandaba

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesmandan

yomando

túmandas

vosotrosmandáis

nosotrosmandamos

él/ella/ustedmanda

View All Tenses & Moods →

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: mandan

Question 1 of 2

If your boss and his partner 'mandan' in the office, what are they doing?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

mandado(errand / order) - noun

mando(remote control / command) - noun

mandatario(leader / representative) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'mandan' mean the same as 'envían'?

Mostly, yes! Both mean 'to send.' In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'mandan' is used more often in casual conversation, while 'envían' can sound a bit more formal or technical.

Can 'mandan' mean 'you all'?

Yes! In Spain, people use 'mandáis' for friends, but in Latin America, 'mandan' is the standard way to say 'you all command' or 'you all send' (the 'ustedes' form).