Inklingo

How to Say "command" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “command” is “orden” — use 'orden' when referring to a direct instruction given by someone in a position of authority, like a superior officer or a boss..

orden🔊A2

Use 'orden' when referring to a direct instruction given by someone in a position of authority, like a superior officer or a boss.

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comando🔊B1

Use 'comando' specifically for a command in a computer or technological context, meaning a specific instruction entered into a system.

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mando🔊B2

Choose 'mando' when referring to the position of command, control, or leadership, especially in a military or hierarchical organization.

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mande🔊B1

Use 'mande' as a polite and formal way to respond when someone gives you an order or instruction, similar to 'Yes, sir/ma'am?' or 'What is your command?'

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liderazgo🔊B1

Use 'liderazgo' to describe the quality or ability of leading and guiding others, focusing on the act of leadership rather than a specific order.

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disposiciónB2

Use 'disposición' when 'command' means being available or at someone's service, often used in phrases like 'at your disposal'.

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dominio🔊B2

Use 'dominio' when 'command' refers to a high level of skill or mastery over a subject or ability, like language or an instrument.

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English → Spanish

orden

/OR-den//ˈoɾ.ðen/

nounA2
Use 'orden' when referring to a direct instruction given by someone in a position of authority, like a superior officer or a boss.
A friendly waiter taking a food order from a customer at a cafe table, illustrating a commercial request.

Examples

El sargento dio la orden de marchar.

The sergeant gave the order to march.

El capitán dio la orden de avanzar.

The captain gave the order to advance.

Disculpe, ¿puedo tomar su orden?

Excuse me, can I take your order?

Recibí una orden de compra para los nuevos materiales.

I received a purchase order for the new materials.

Always 'la orden' for This Meaning

When talking about a command, an instruction, or a request (like at a restaurant), 'orden' is a feminine word. You'll always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'una orden del jefe' (an order from the boss).

Mixing up 'la orden' and 'el orden'

Mistake: “El mesero tomó el orden.”

Correction: El mesero tomó la orden. A waiter takes a request for food, which is 'la orden'. Using 'el orden' here doesn't make sense; it would mean 'the waiter took the tidiness'.

comando

/koh-MAHN-doh//koˈmando/

nounB1technical
Use 'comando' specifically for a command in a computer or technological context, meaning a specific instruction entered into a system.
A close-up illustration of a finger pressing a prominent, glowing button on a minimalist computer screen, representing a computer instruction.

Examples

Escribe el 'comando' `ls -l` para ver los archivos.

Type the command `ls -l` to see the files.

Tienes que escribir el comando exacto para que el programa funcione.

You have to write the exact command for the program to work.

El técnico me enseñó a usar un comando de voz.

The technician taught me how to use a voice command.

Technical Vocabulary

When talking about computers or programming, 'comando' is the standard word for the instruction you type or say.

mando

/mahn-doh//ˈman.do/

nounB2formal
Choose 'mando' when referring to the position of command, control, or leadership, especially in a military or hierarchical organization.
A stern-faced military officer in a green uniform standing tall, raising a hand in a clear, authoritative commanding gesture.

Examples

El general asumió el mando de la operación.

The general took command of the operation.

El presidente tomó el mando después de las elecciones.

The president took command after the elections.

Necesitamos una persona con mando y experiencia para dirigir el proyecto.

We need a person with authority and experience to lead the project.

Masculine Noun

'Mando' is always masculine, so it uses 'el' (el mando) and adjectives describing it must end in 'o' or be gender-neutral.

mande

/mahn-deh//ˈmande/

verbB1formal
Use 'mande' as a polite and formal way to respond when someone gives you an order or instruction, similar to 'Yes, sir/ma'am?' or 'What is your command?'
A colorful sealed envelope with a heart sticker being placed into a bright blue mailbox.

Examples

—Necesito que me traigas un café. —Mande.

—I need you to bring me a coffee. —Yes, sir/ma'am.

Mande el paquete mañana, por favor.

Please send the package tomorrow.

Espero que ella me mande el dinero.

I hope she sends me the money.

Multi-Purpose Form

The word 'mande' is a Swiss Army knife: it is used to give a polite order to one person, but also to express a wish ('Espero que él mande...').

liderazgo

/lee-der-AHS-go//liðeˈɾasɣo/

nounB1
Use 'liderazgo' to describe the quality or ability of leading and guiding others, focusing on the act of leadership rather than a specific order.
A person leading a small group of people through a green forest path.

Examples

Su liderazgo fue clave para superar la dificultad.

His leadership was key to overcoming the difficulty.

Ella demostró un gran liderazgo durante la crisis.

She showed great leadership during the crisis.

El equipo necesita un nuevo liderazgo para ganar.

The team needs new leadership to win.

Bajo su liderazgo, la empresa creció mucho.

Under his leadership, the company grew a lot.

Masculine Ending

Even though it ends in 'o', it follows the standard rule of being a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

The '-azgo' Pattern

The ending '-azgo' is often used in Spanish to turn a person's role into a concept or status, similar to how English uses '-ship' in 'leadership' or 'friendship'.

Person vs. Concept

Mistake: “Using 'el liderazgo' to refer to a person.”

Correction: Use 'el líder' for the person and 'el liderazgo' for the concept or the position.

disposición

nounB2formal
Use 'disposición' when 'command' means being available or at someone's service, often used in phrases like 'at your disposal'.

Examples

Estamos a su entera disposición para ayudar.

We are at your entire disposal to help.

dominio

doh-MEE-nyoh/doˈmi.njo/

nounB2
Use 'dominio' when 'command' refers to a high level of skill or mastery over a subject or ability, like language or an instrument.
A simplified character standing perfectly balanced on a single, thin tightrope high above the ground, demonstrating perfect mastery and skill.

Examples

Tiene un gran dominio de la gramática española.

He has great command of Spanish grammar.

Su dominio del piano impresionó a todos en la sala.

His mastery of the piano impressed everyone in the room.

Para este puesto se requiere un dominio total del software de edición.

This position requires complete proficiency in the editing software.

Using 'de' to Specify Skill

When talking about mastery of something, you almost always follow 'dominio' with the word 'de' (of): 'dominio del tema' (mastery of the topic).

Orden vs. Comando

The most common confusion is between 'orden' and 'comando'. Remember that 'orden' is a general instruction from authority, while 'comando' is specifically for computer commands.

Related Translations

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