Inklingo

How to Say "control" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “control” is “control” — use this word when referring to the general concept of power or command over something, like a project or a situation..

control🔊B1

Use this word when referring to the general concept of power or command over something, like a project or a situation.

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controlar🔊A1

Use this when you mean the act of managing, directing, or keeping something in check, often in a practical, everyday way.

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manejo🔊B1

Use this to describe the skill or ability to manage or handle a situation, task, or process effectively.

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dominio🔊B1

Choose this word for a strong sense of power, authority, or mastery, often over a territory or a subject.

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mando🔊B2

Use 'mando' when referring to the position of command, authority, or influence, especially in a hierarchical structure like the military or a company.

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gobierno🔊B2

This term specifically refers to the act of governing or ruling a country or organization, implying management and direction at a high level.

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poderes🔊B1

Use this when talking about the branches of government or the official powers granted to institutions or individuals.

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pulso🔊B2

Use 'pulso' metaphorically to describe a firm grip or steady command over a difficult or volatile situation.

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puño🔊B2

This is a figurative term, often used with 'de hierro' (iron), to describe absolute, strict, and often authoritarian power or domination.

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English → Spanish

control

/kon-trol//konˈtɾol/

nounB1general
Use this word when referring to the general concept of power or command over something, like a project or a situation.
A giant, powerful human hand gently but firmly holding and directing a small, colorful wooden toy block, symbolizing power and command.

Examples

El nuevo gerente tiene el control total del proyecto.

The new manager has total control of the project.

Es importante mantener el control en situaciones de estrés.

It's important to maintain control in stressful situations.

Perdió el control del coche en el hielo.

He lost control of the car on the ice.

Always Masculine

Even though it doesn't end in -o, 'control' is a masculine word. Always say 'el control' or 'un control', not 'la control'.

controlar

kohn-troh-LAHR/kon.tɾoˈlaɾ/

verbA1general
Use this when you mean the act of managing, directing, or keeping something in check, often in a practical, everyday way.
A person steering a large ship's wheel, illustrating the concept of managing and directing.

Examples

Mi hermana controla la música en la fiesta.

My sister controls the music at the party.

El gobierno necesita controlar mejor el gasto público.

The government needs to better control public spending.

Basic Structure

Like many Spanish verbs, 'controlar' follows a simple structure: [Person] + [controlar] + [The thing being controlled].

manejo

/ma-NE-ho//maˈnexo/

nounB1general
Use this to describe the skill or ability to manage or handle a situation, task, or process effectively.
A close-up view of two hands firmly gripping a bright red steering wheel, illustrating the physical control of an object.

Examples

El manejo de la crisis fue excelente, nadie perdió la calma.

The management of the crisis was excellent; nobody lost their cool.

Necesitas mejorar tu manejo del volante si quieres aprobar el examen.

You need to improve your handling of the steering wheel if you want to pass the exam.

El manual explica el manejo adecuado de las herramientas.

The manual explains the proper handling of the tools.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', which often signals a masculine noun, it is always used with 'el' or 'un' (e.g., 'el manejo').

Noun of Action

This noun refers to the act or result of 'manejar' (to handle/manage), making it a very direct way to talk about skills or administration.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La manejo.”

Correction: El manejo. Remember, 'manejo' is masculine, so use 'el'.

dominio

doh-MEE-nyoh/doˈmi.njo/

nounB1general
Choose this word for a strong sense of power, authority, or mastery, often over a territory or a subject.
A large, powerful hand firmly grasping a golden scepter or staff, symbolizing authority and control.

Examples

El rey tenía dominio absoluto sobre todo el territorio.

The king had absolute control over the entire territory.

Establecer un dominio completo sobre el mercado es su objetivo.

Establishing complete control over the market is their goal.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'dominio' is always a masculine noun, so it takes masculine articles: 'el dominio' or 'un dominio'.

mando

/mahn-doh//ˈman.do/

nounB2formal
Use 'mando' when referring to the position of command, authority, or influence, especially in a hierarchical structure like the military or a company.
A stern-faced military officer in a green uniform standing tall, raising a hand in a clear, authoritative commanding gesture.

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.

gobierno

/go-BYEHR-no//ɡoˈβjeɾ.no/

nounB2formal
This term specifically refers to the act of governing or ruling a country or organization, implying management and direction at a high level.
A colorful storybook illustration featuring a giant, guiding hand hovering over a miniature landscape of houses and roads, symbolizing management and control.

Examples

Su gobierno del país duró una década.

His rule over the country lasted a decade.

El buen gobierno es esencial para la prosperidad.

Good governance is essential for prosperity.

poderes

/po-DEH-res//poˈðeɾes/

nounB1formal
Use this when talking about the branches of government or the official powers granted to institutions or individuals.
A person in an official uniform holding a large golden key, symbolizing authority.

Examples

Los tres poderes del Estado son el ejecutivo, el legislativo y el judicial.

The three branches (powers) of the State are the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.

El presidente tiene amplios poderes para tomar decisiones rápidas.

The president has ample powers to make quick decisions.

Always Plural

Remember that 'poderes' is the plural form of 'poder' (power/authority). It is always masculine and requires masculine plural articles (los, unos).

pulso

POOL-sohˈpulso

nounB2figurative
Use 'pulso' metaphorically to describe a firm grip or steady command over a difficult or volatile situation.
An illustration of a hand holding the thick reins of a horse with a firm, steady grip, symbolizing control.

Examples

El gobierno necesita demostrar pulso firme ante la crisis económica.

The government needs to demonstrate firm control in the face of the economic crisis.

El director perdió el pulso de la reunión y todo se desordenó.

The director lost control (the grip) of the meeting and everything became disorganized.

Figurative vs. Literal

Mistake: “Using 'pulso' figuratively when you mean 'muñeca' (wrist), which is the literal body part.”

Correction: When referring to the wrist itself (where you wear a watch), use 'muñeca'. 'Pulso' refers to the steadiness or the beat, not the bone structure.

puño

/POO-nyo//ˈpuɲo/

nounB2figurative
This is a figurative term, often used with 'de hierro' (iron), to describe absolute, strict, and often authoritarian power or domination.
A giant hand holding a miniature castle in its palm, symbolizing absolute control or domination.

Examples

El presidente gobernaba con puño de hierro, sin aceptar críticas.

The president governed with an iron fist, without accepting criticism.

Solo quedaba un puño de monedas en la caja.

Only a handful of coins remained in the box.

General vs. Specific Control

Learners often confuse 'control' (noun) with 'controlar' (verb). Remember that 'control' is the concept of power, while 'controlar' is the action of managing or directing. Also, be careful not to overuse the general noun 'control' when a more specific term like 'manejo' (handling) or 'dominio' (authority) is more appropriate.

Related Translations

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