mandar
/mahn-DAHR/
to send
Mandar means to send something, like a package or a letter.
mandar(verb)
to send
?a message, letter, package
to dispatch
?formal or official sending
,to mail
?sending via post
📝 In Action
Te voy a mandar un correo electrónico con los detalles.
A1I am going to send you an email with the details.
¿Puedes mandar este paquete por correo urgente?
A2Can you send this package by urgent mail?
Nos mandaron a casa temprano porque llovía.
A2They sent us home early because it was raining.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct/Indirect Objects
When you send something (direct object) to someone (indirect object), 'mandar' works just like 'to give': 'Le mandé el libro' (I sent the book to him/her).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Enviar' vs 'Mandar'
Mistake: "Using 'mandar' exclusively when 'enviar' might sound more official or technical (like sending a signal or a formal document)."
Correction: Both are interchangeable for emails or packages, but 'enviar' is sometimes preferred for purely electronic/technical sending.
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Commands
You can use '¡Manda!' informally to mean 'Send it!' or 'Go ahead!'
When mandar means to order, it implies giving a command or instruction.
mandar(verb)
to order
?to give a command or instruction
,to command
?to exert authority
to dictate
?to impose rules
📝 In Action
El capitán mandó a sus hombres que se retiraran.
B1The captain ordered his men to retreat.
Mi jefe me mandó terminar el informe antes de las cinco.
B1My boss ordered me to finish the report before five.
Mandaron construir un nuevo puente sobre el río.
B2They ordered the construction of a new bridge over the river.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Que' Link
When you use 'mandar' to order someone else to do something, you usually connect the two parts of the sentence with 'que' and use the special form of the second verb (subjunctive): 'Mandó que saliéramos' (He ordered us to leave).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong preposition
Mistake: "Using 'mandar de hacer algo' instead of 'mandar hacer algo' or 'mandar que...'"
Correction: Often, the structure is just 'mandar' + the action, or 'mandar a alguien que...' (to order someone that...).
⭐ Usage Tips
Less Formal Commands
For simple requests, 'pedir' (to ask for) is much softer and more common than 'mandar'.
Mandar can also mean to rule or govern a territory.
mandar(verb)
to rule
?to govern a territory
,to be in charge
?to hold authority
to dominate
?to control a situation or market
,to wear the pants (idiom)
?informal, to be the boss in a relationship
📝 In Action
Ella manda en su casa y nadie la contradice.
B2She rules (is in charge) in her house and no one contradicts her.
El dictador mandó el país por cuarenta años.
C1The dictator ruled the country for forty years.
Si quieres mandar, tienes que asumir la responsabilidad.
B2If you want to be in charge, you have to take responsibility.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Form: Mandarse
Using 'mandarse' (like 'se manda') often means 'to be sent' or, informally, can mean 'to dare/to be brave enough to do something,' especially in some regions.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Authority
Mistake: "Using 'mandar' when you mean 'to manage' or 'to administrate' (like a project)."
Correction: Use 'gestionar' or 'administrar' for management duties; reserve 'mandar' for direct authority or giving orders.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Noun Form
The related noun 'el mando' means 'remote control' or 'authority/command.' If you want the remote, ask for 'el mando.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mandar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'mandar' in the sense of 'to be in charge'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mandar' the same as 'enviar'?
For most everyday uses, like sending an email or a package, 'mandar' and 'enviar' are completely interchangeable. 'Enviar' might sound slightly more formal or be preferred for technical transmissions (like sending a signal).
How do I say 'to send money'?
You can use 'mandar dinero' or 'enviar dinero.' Another very common and specific verb for this action is 'transferir' (to transfer).