How to Say "control" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “control” is “control” — use this for the general concept of power, command, or the ability to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.
control
kon-trolkonˈtɾol
Examples
El piloto mantuvo el control del avión durante la turbulencia.
The pilot maintained control of the plane during the turbulence.
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-LAHRkon.tɾoˈlaɾ
Examples
Necesitas controlar tus gastos este mes.
You need to control your spending this month.
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-homaˈnexo
Examples
El manejo del estrés es clave para el bienestar.
The management of stress is key to well-being.
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-nyohdoˈmi.njo
Examples
El artista demostró un gran dominio de la técnica.
The artist demonstrated great control over the technique.
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'.
rienda
ryen-dahˈrjenda
Examples
Tomó las riendas de la conversación para evitar discusiones.
He took control of the conversation to avoid arguments.
Ella tomó las riendas del negocio familiar tras la jubilación de su padre.
She took the reins of the family business after her father's retirement.
No le des rienda suelta a tu imaginación.
Don't give free rein to your imagination.
Es importante tomar las riendas de tu propia vida.
It is important to take control of your own life.
Always Feminine
Even when referring to 'control' (which is masculine in Spanish), 'rienda' is always a feminine word. You always say 'las riendas'.
Missing 'las'
Mistake: “Tomar riendas de la situación.”
Correction: Tomar las riendas de la situación.
mando
mahn-dohˈman.do
Examples
El general asumió el mando de las tropas.
The general assumed command of the troops.
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-noɡoˈβjeɾ.no
Examples
Su gobierno de la ciudad fue muy eficaz.
His management of the city was very effective.
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.
timón
Examples
Ella tomó el timón del proyecto y lo llevó al éxito.
She took the helm of the project and led it to success.
poderes
po-DEH-respoˈðeɾes
Examples
Los poderes legislativo y ejecutivo deben colaborar.
The legislative and executive powers must collaborate.
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
Examples
El líder mostró pulso firme ante la presión.
The leader showed firm control in the face of pressure.
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
Examples
Gobernaba con puño de hierro, sin permitir disidencia.
He governed with an iron fist, not allowing dissent.
General vs. Specific Control
Related Translations
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