ordenó
“ordenó” means “ordered” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
ordered, commanded
Also: told
📝 In Action
El juez ordenó el arresto inmediato del sospechoso.
B1The judge ordered the immediate arrest of the suspect.
Mi jefe ordenó que el informe estuviera listo hoy.
A2My boss ordered that the report be ready today.
¿Quién ordenó la cena? Tengo mucha hambre.
A1Who ordered dinner? I'm very hungry.
organized, arranged
Also: tidied up
📝 In Action
Mi hermana ordenó su colección de discos por género.
B1My sister organized her record collection by genre.
El bibliotecario ordenó todos los archivos antes de la inspección.
B2The librarian arranged all the files before the inspection.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ordenó" in Spanish:
tidied up→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ordenó
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'ordenó' to mean 'to organize'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *ordināre*, which meant 'to put in order,' 'to arrange,' or 'to manage.' This core idea of structure led to both the meaning 'to command' and 'to organize.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'ordenó' and 'ordenaba'?
'Ordenó' (preterite) tells you the action happened once and was finished: 'He ordered the food.' 'Ordenaba' (imperfect) tells you the action was happening repeatedly or described a past habit: 'He used to order food every Friday.'
How do I know if 'ordenó' means 'commanded' or 'ordered food'?
If it involves food or drink, it almost always means 'placed an order' (like at a restaurant). If it involves people or rules, it usually means 'commanded' or 'instructed.'