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How to Say "commands" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “commands” is “manda” — use this when referring to the action of a person or thing issuing a directive, often in an informal or routine context, like sending emails or a boss giving instructions..

English → Spanish

manda

/MAN-dah//ˈman.da/

verbA1general
Use this when referring to the action of a person or thing issuing a directive, often in an informal or routine context, like sending emails or a boss giving instructions.
A simplified illustration of a boss figure standing on a mound, pointing decisively with a serious expression, commanding a smaller worker figure below who is immediately beginning a task.

Examples

Mi padre manda en casa.

My father rules the house.

Mi jefe siempre manda correos a medianoche.

My boss always sends emails at midnight.

Ella manda en su casa, no su esposo.

She is in charge of her house, not her husband.

Dile a Ricardo que manda el paquete hoy mismo.

Tell Ricardo to send the package today.

The Informal Command

The 'tú' command form (telling a friend what to do) for almost all regular -ar verbs is the same as the 'él/ella/usted' present tense form. So, 'manda' means both 'he/she orders' AND 'Order! (tú form).'

Confusing 'Manda' (Command) and 'Mande' (Formal Command)

Mistake: “Using 'Manda' when speaking formally to a boss or elder.”

Correction: Use 'Mande' (from the Usted form) when giving a formal instruction: 'Mande usted el documento' (Send the document, formal).

nounA2formal, authoritative
This is the plural noun for 'orders' and is used when referring to specific instructions or directives given, especially in a formal, military, or authoritative setting.

Examples

Los soldados siguieron las órdenes sin dudar.

The soldiers followed the orders without hesitation.

dirige

dee-REE-heh/diˈɾi.xe/

verbA2authoritative
Use this when someone is leading, directing, or managing a group, organization, or project, implying guidance and control over a longer period.
A person standing confidently at the head of a small group of three people, pointing forward on a simple dirt path. They are clearly leading the way.

Examples

El director dirige la empresa desde hace diez años.

The director has led the company for ten years.

¿Quién dirige este equipo tan exitoso?

Who leads this successful team?

Verb-Ending Consistency

The 'él/ella/usted' present tense forms of all -IR verbs usually end in '-e', just like 'dirige'.

Confusing 'dirige' and 'dirija'

Mistake: “Using 'dirija' (the subjunctive form) in a simple descriptive sentence: 'Ella dirija el proyecto.'”

Correction: 'Ella dirige el proyecto.' Use 'dirige' for facts; 'dirija' is only for wishes, commands, or uncertainty.

ordena

/or-DEH-nah//orˈdena/

verbB1formal, official
This verb is used for officially giving a command or instruction, often by someone in a position of power, like a judge or a high-ranking official.
A royal figure in a crown pointing forward with a firm gesture.

Examples

El juez ordena silencio en la sala.

The judge orders silence in the courtroom.

La ley ordena que todos paguen impuestos.

The law mandates that everyone pays taxes.

Triggering a change

When you use 'ordena que' (orders that), the verb that follows must change its form to show it's a command: 'Ordena que vengas' (He orders that you come).

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

Learners often confuse the Spanish verb forms ('manda', 'dirige', 'ordena') with the noun form ('órdenes'). Remember that 'órdenes' is the plural noun for 'orders,' while the other three are verbs describing the action of commanding or directing.

Related Translations

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