mandó
“mandó” means “ordered” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
ordered, told
Also: commanded, ruled
📝 In Action
El director **mandó** que todos se quedaran después de la reunión.
B1The director ordered everyone to stay after the meeting.
Mi abuela siempre **mandó** en la casa.
A2My grandmother was always in charge of the house.
¿Quién **mandó** ese decreto?
B2Who issued that decree (order)?
sent
Also: forwarded, mailed
📝 In Action
Mi hermana **mandó** un regalo a mi sobrino desde México.
A2My sister sent a gift to my nephew from Mexico.
Él **mandó** un mensaje de texto para confirmar la reunión.
A1He sent a text message to confirm the meeting.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mandó
Question 1 of 2
Which English sentence correctly uses the meaning of 'mandó' related to authority?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *mandāre*, meaning 'to commit, entrust, or order.' This dual meaning of commanding and entrusting something (to be sent) has been preserved in Spanish.
First recorded: Around the 10th century in early Romance languages.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mandó' the same as 'envió'?
They are very similar when referring to sending something physical, like mail or a package. 'Mandó' is often used more broadly, covering both 'sending' and 'ordering,' while 'envió' (from 'enviar') is strictly 'sent.'
How do I know if 'mandó' means 'ordered' or 'sent'?
Look at what follows the verb. If it's a direct object (like 'un paquete' - a package) or a destination (like 'a la oficina' - to the office), it usually means 'sent.' If it's followed by 'que' and another person's action (like 'que viniera' - that he come), it means 'ordered.'