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 boss or a military officer.
orden
OR-denˈoɾ.ðen
Examples
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'.
mandato
man-DA-tohmanˈda.to
Examples
Debemos cumplir con el mandato del juez.
We must comply with the judge's order.
El director dio un mandato claro a todo el equipo.
The director gave a clear command to the whole team.
Actuó bajo un mandato divino.
He acted under a divine command.
Masculine Noun
Even though it ends in 'o', it follows the standard rule and is masculine: use 'el mandato' or 'un mandato'.
Action vs. Result
While 'mandar' is the action of sending or ordering, 'mandato' is the formal piece of paper or the specific instruction itself.
Confusing with 'Commandment'
Mistake: “Using 'mandato' for the Ten Commandments.”
Correction: Use 'mandamiento' for religious laws and 'mandato' for civil or political orders.
comando
koh-MAHN-dohkoˈmando
Examples
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-dohˈman.do
Examples
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.
imperativo
eem-peh-rah-TEE-bohimpeɾaˈtiβo
Examples
En esta lección vamos a aprender el imperativo de los verbos en -ar.
In this lesson we are going to learn the command form for -ar verbs.
¡Dime la verdad! 'Dime' está en imperativo.
Tell me the truth! 'Dime' is in the command form.
El imperativo moral nos dicta ayudar a los demás.
The moral command (duty) tells us to help others.
The 'Bossy' Verb Form
The 'imperativo' is what you use when you want to give an order, a piece of advice, or a direction. Think of it as the 'Do it!' form.
Using the wrong 'you'
Mistake: “Mixing up formal and informal commands.”
Correction: Spanish has different 'imperativo' forms for 'tú' (friends) and 'usted' (polite). Make sure you use the right one depending on who you are bossing around!
liderazgo
lee-der-AHS-goliðeˈɾasɣo
Examples
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
Examples
Mi equipo y yo estamos a su completa disposición para cualquier duda.
My team and I are at your complete disposal for any questions.
mande
mahn-dehˈmande
Examples
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...').
dominio
doh-MEE-nyohdoˈmi.njo
Examples
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. Mandato vs. Comando
Related Translations
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