Inklingo

How to Say "errand" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “errand” is “mandado” — use this for a quick, common task that involves going somewhere, like picking something up from a store.

mandado🔊A2

Use this for a quick, common task that involves going somewhere, like picking something up from a store.

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recado🔊B1

This is a good general term for a short trip taken to complete a specific, often personal, task or deliver a message.

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comisiónA2

Use this for a small, specific task or job assigned to someone, often implying a bit more formality than 'mandado' or 'recado'.

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diligencia🔊B1

Choose this when referring to the act of performing a task or chore, especially one that requires a bit of effort or is a routine duty.

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encargo🔊B1

This term implies a specific assignment or request, often a short trip undertaken because someone asked you to do it.

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gestiónB2

This is best for official or formal tasks, particularly those involving administrative procedures or business at institutions like banks.

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English → Spanish

mandado

man-DAH-dohmanˈdaðo

nounA2informal
Use this for a quick, common task that involves going somewhere, like picking something up from a store.
A small child dressed in bright clothes walking and carrying a brown paper bag filled with groceries, representing a simple task or errand.

Examples

Necesito hacer un mandado rápido a la farmacia.

I need to run a quick errand to the pharmacy.

El niño se fue a entregar el mandado a casa de la vecina.

The boy went to deliver the message/goods to the neighbor's house.

Ya compré todo el mandado, solo falta guardarlo.

I already bought all the groceries, I just need to put them away.

Always Masculine

Even though 'errand' is a concept, mandado is a masculine noun, so use the article el or un.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Voy a correr un mandado.”

Correction: Voy a hacer un mandado. (Use *hacer* 'to do/make', not *correr* 'to run', when describing the action of the errand.)

recado

reh-KAH-dohreˈkaðo

nounB1general
This is a good general term for a short trip taken to complete a specific, often personal, task or deliver a message.
A colorful storybook illustration of a person walking down a village street carrying a loaf of bread and a small brown paper bag.

Examples

Tengo que salir a hacer unos recados.

I have to go out to run some errands.

Mi abuela me mandó a un recado a la farmacia.

My grandmother sent me on an errand to the pharmacy.

Fui por el mandado y otros recados pendientes.

I went for the groceries and other pending errands.

Doing vs. Making

Always use the verb 'hacer' with 'recados' when you mean running errands. It functions just like 'doing' chores in English.

Confusing Message and Errand

Mistake: “Saying 'hacer un recado' when you want to leave a phone message.”

Correction: Say 'dejar un recado' for a message and 'hacer un recado' for an errand. The verb completely changes what you are doing!

comisión

nounA2general
Use this for a small, specific task or job assigned to someone, often implying a bit more formality than 'mandado' or 'recado'.

Examples

Tengo que hacer una comisión al centro antes de comer.

I have to run an errand downtown before lunch.

diligencia

dee-lee-HEN-syahdiliˈxen.sja

nounB1general
Choose this when referring to the act of performing a task or chore, especially one that requires a bit of effort or is a routine duty.
A person holding a grocery bag and a small package while walking down a sunny sidewalk.

Examples

Tengo que ir al banco a hacer una diligencia.

I have to go to the bank to run an errand.

Mañana no trabajo porque tengo varias diligencias pendientes.

I'm not working tomorrow because I have several errands to take care of.

La diligencia para obtener la visa fue muy larga.

The procedure to get the visa was very long.

Using 'Hacer' with Diligencia

To say 'run an errand,' Spanish speakers almost always use the verb 'hacer' (to do/make) followed by 'diligencia'.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'a', it's good to remember it's always 'la diligencia' or 'unas diligencias'.

Diligencia vs. Task

Mistake: “Using 'diligencia' for homework or a job project.”

Correction: Use 'tarea' for schoolwork or 'trabajo' for job tasks. 'Diligencia' is specifically for errands like going to the post office or the bank.

encargo

en-CAR-goenˈkaɾ.ɣo

nounB1general
This term implies a specific assignment or request, often a short trip undertaken because someone asked you to do it.
A cheerful rabbit hands a rolled-up blueprint tied with a red ribbon to a smiling fox, symbolizing the transfer of an assignment or duty.

Examples

Mi jefe me dio el encargo de organizar la reunión.

My boss gave me the assignment of organizing the meeting.

¿Puedes hacer un encargo por mí? Necesito ir al banco.

Can you run an errand for me? I need to go to the bank.

El pintor terminó el encargo de la familia real.

The painter finished the commission for the royal family.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'encargo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' with it.

Confusing 'encargo' and 'cargo'

Mistake: “Using 'cargo' (position/job title) when you mean 'encargo' (specific task).”

Correction: If you are talking about a specific duty or task, use 'encargo'. If you are talking about a permanent job title (like 'manager'), use 'cargo'.

gestión

nounB2formal
This is best for official or formal tasks, particularly those involving administrative procedures or business at institutions like banks.

Examples

Tengo que hacer unas gestiones en el banco esta mañana.

I have to do some paperwork/errands at the bank this morning.

Choosing the Right Word for 'Errand'

Learners often confuse 'mandado', 'recado', and 'comisión'. Remember that 'mandado' is for quick, everyday tasks, 'recado' is a more general term for a short trip task, and 'comisión' often implies a specific assignment or job you were given.

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