Inklingo

How to Say "deliver" in Spanish

English → Spanish

entregar

en-treh-GAR/en.tɾeˈɣaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'entregar' when the focus is on the act of transporting and handing over an item, such as a package, letter, or message, to its intended recipient.
A cheerful uniformed courier holding a small brown package and handing it directly to an outstretched hand, completing a delivery.

Examples

El repartidor va a entregar el paquete esta tarde.

The delivery driver is going to deliver the package this afternoon.

El mensajero va a entregar el paquete esta tarde.

The messenger is going to deliver the package this afternoon.

Entregué las llaves al conserje antes de irme.

I handed the keys over to the concierge before leaving.

Transferring the Action

When you deliver something to someone, you often use the preposition 'a': 'Entregar el paquete a mi vecina' (Deliver the package to my neighbor).

Preterite Spelling Change

Mistake: “Yo entregé”

Correction: Yo entregué. The 'g' must change to 'gu' before 'e' to keep the hard 'g' sound (like in 'go').

entregue

/en-TREH-geh//enˈtɾeɣe/

verbA2formal
Use 'entregue' (the formal imperative of 'entregar') when asking someone to hand over an item, especially to an authority or official, like a passport or identification.
A person handing a brightly wrapped gift box to another person.

Examples

Por favor, entregue su pasaporte al oficial.

Please, hand over your passport to the officer.

Es importante que yo entregue el informe hoy.

It is important that I turn in the report today.

Dudo que ella entregue el paquete a tiempo.

I doubt she will deliver the package on time.

The 'gu' Spelling Rule

In Spanish, the letter 'g' sounds like 'h' before an 'e'. To keep the hard 'g' sound (like in 'game'), we add a silent 'u' to make 'gue'.

Expressing Wishes and Commands

This specific word form is used when you want someone to do something ('I want you to deliver it') or when giving a polite, formal order.

The Missing Accent

Mistake: “Using 'entregué' when you mean 'entregue'.”

Correction: Use 'entregue' (no accent) for commands or wishes; use 'entregué' (with an accent) only for 'I delivered' in the past.

Entregar vs. Entregue

Learners often confuse 'entregar' and 'entregue' because they look similar and both relate to handing something over. Remember that 'entregue' is a specific command form (imperative) used when directly addressing someone, often in a formal context, while 'entregar' is the infinitive verb used in general statements about delivery.

Related Translations

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