ordenar
“ordenar” means “to arrange” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
to arrange, to tidy up
Also: to sort
📝 In Action
Necesito ordenar mi armario antes de que lleguen mis invitados.
A2I need to tidy up my closet before my guests arrive.
Ella ordenó los libros por color.
B1She arranged the books by color.
to command, to order
Also: to direct
📝 In Action
El presidente ordenó una investigación inmediata.
B1The president ordered an immediate investigation.
La policía le ordenó detener el coche.
B2The police commanded him to stop the car.
to order
Also: to place an order
📝 In Action
¿Qué vas a ordenar para cenar?
A2What are you going to order for dinner?
Ordenamos la pizza por teléfono.
A2We ordered the pizza by phone.
to ordain
Also: to appoint
📝 In Action
El sacerdote fue ordenado en la catedral.
C1The priest was ordained in the cathedral.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ordenar" in Spanish:
to appoint→to arrange→to command→to direct→to ordain→to order→to sort→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ordenar
Question 1 of 2
Which English word best translates 'ordenar' in the sentence: 'El jefe ordenó el archivo por fecha.'
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin verb *ordinare*, meaning 'to set in order,' 'to arrange,' or 'to manage.' This explains why it covers both arranging physical objects and issuing commands (managing people).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'ordenar' means 'to tidy' or 'to command'?
Look at the object of the verb. If you are ordering things (like books, clothes, or files), it means 'to tidy/arrange.' If you are ordering people or official actions (like an investigation or silence), it means 'to command/instruct.'
Is 'ordenador' related to 'ordenar'?
Yes! In Spain, a computer is called an 'ordenador' because its primary function is to 'ordenar' (process and organize) information. In Latin America, 'computadora' is more common.