ordenar
/or-deh-NAR/
to arrange
Ordenar (to arrange): Putting things in proper order.
ordenar(verb)
to arrange
?to put in order
,to tidy up
?to clean or organize a space
to sort
?to classify items
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Use
This meaning is usually followed directly by the thing being organized (e.g., 'ordenar la ropa' - to arrange the clothes).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Ordenar' and 'Limpiar'
Mistake: "Usar 'ordenar' para decir 'to clean' (e.g., 'ordenar el suelo')."
Correction: Use 'limpiar' for cleaning the floor or washing surfaces. 'Ordenar' is only for putting things in their place.
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Adjective
The past participle, 'ordenado/a', is a very common adjective meaning 'tidy' or 'organized' ('Soy muy ordenado').
Ordenar (to command): Giving an official instruction or mandate.
ordenar(verb)
to command
?to give an official instruction or mandate
,to order
?to decree or instruct
to direct
?to give specific instructions
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Action on Others
When this verb means 'to command someone else to do something,' it often uses the special verb form (subjunctive): 'Ordenó que saliéramos' (He ordered that we leave).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
The context usually tells you if 'ordenar' means 'tidy' (physical objects) or 'command' (people or actions). If a person or authority is the subject, it usually means 'command'.
Ordenar (to order): Requesting food or products.
ordenar(verb)
to order
?food, drinks, or products
to place an order
?commercial context
📝 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.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Spain vs. Latin America
Mistake: "Using 'ordenar' for food in Spain."
Correction: In Spain, 'pedir' is much more typical for ordering food ('Voy a pedir una cerveza'). Use 'ordenar' primarily in Latin American contexts for this meaning.
Ordenar (to ordain): To confer holy orders in a religious ceremony.
ordenar(verb)
to ordain
?to confer holy orders (religion)
to appoint
?formally assign a role
📝 In Action
El sacerdote fue ordenado en la catedral.
C1The priest was ordained in the cathedral.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ 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
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.