mandó
/mahn-DOH/
ordered
The verb mandó means 'ordered' (gave a command). The king ordered the knight to action.
mandó(verb)
ordered
?gave a command
,told
?instructed someone to do something
commanded
?used in formal or military contexts
,ruled
?was in charge
📝 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)?
💡 Grammar Points
Past Action, Completed
The form 'mandó' tells you that the action (giving the order) finished completely at a specific point in the past. It's used for single, completed events.
The 'Que' Structure
When 'mandó' is followed by 'que' and another verb, that second verb often needs a special form (the subjunctive) because the action hasn't happened yet: 'Mandó que vinieras' (He ordered that you come).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Past Tenses
Mistake: "Using 'mandaba' when talking about a single, specific order given in the past."
Correction: Use 'mandó' (preterite) for one-time orders ('Ayer, él mandó la tarea'). Use 'mandaba' (imperfect) for repeated orders or describing a past habit ('De niño, siempre me mandaba a la cama temprano').
⭐ Usage Tips
Implied Subject
Since 'mandó' only refers to 'he,' 'she,' or 'you (formal),' you usually don't need to say 'él' or 'ella' unless you need to clarify who did the ordering.
The verb mandó also means 'sent' (dispatched). The worker sent the package.
mandó(verb)
sent
?dispatched a package or letter
forwarded
?sent along a message or item
,mailed
?sent via post
📝 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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Mandó vs. Envió
When talking about sending mail or packages, 'mandó' and 'envió' (from 'enviar') are often interchangeable. 'Mandó' is very common in everyday speech, particularly in Latin America.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mandó
Question 1 of 2
Which English sentence correctly uses the meaning of 'mandó' related to authority?
📚 More Resources
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.'