mande
“mande” means “Pardon?” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
Pardon?, Yes?
Also: Tell me
📝 In Action
—¡Juan! —¿Mande?
A1—Juan! —Yes? (What is it?)
—¿Puedes cerrar la puerta? —¡Mande! No te escuché.
A1—Can you close the door? —Pardon? I didn't hear you.
send, order
Also: command
📝 In Action
Mande el paquete mañana, por favor.
B1Please send the package tomorrow.
Espero que ella me mande el dinero.
B1I hope she sends me the money.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mande
Question 1 of 2
You are in a Mexican market and a vendor calls out to you, but you didn't hear what they said. What is the most natural thing to say?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'mandare', which combines 'manus' (hand) and 'dare' (to give), literally meaning 'to put into someone's hands' or 'to entrust'.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'mande' come from a word meaning 'command'?
Yes, it literally translates to 'Command me'. While some believe it has colonial roots suggesting submissiveness, today it is simply used as a very polite and respectful way to say 'Pardon?' in Mexican culture.
Is 'mande' used in Spain?
Not really. If you use it in Spain, people will know you are likely from Mexico. In Spain, people prefer '¿Cómo?' or '¿Perdona?'.